Ifeanyi Onyedika, Head Coach of Abakaliki FC, has exclusively told Completesports.com that he is “proud” of his players after their 5-4 penalty win over NPFL side Ikorodu City in the President Federation Cup semi-final.
The pulsating semi-final match was decided at the Bwari Stadium, Abuja, on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
Since the start of the 2025 Federation Cup campaign, Abakaliki FC have shown no mercy to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) sides, having sent the likes of Katsina United, Nasarawa United, Enyimba International and now Ikorodu City crashing out of the annual cup competition.
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Abakaliki FC are currently bottom of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Conference B table, yet have navigated their way to the President Federation Cup final in their very first year of existence.
Coach Onyedika, MON, who previously won the cup twice with Dolphins FC (now Rivers United), could not hide his emotions after the hard-fought victory.
“I’m very happy, absolutely elated,” Onyedika exclusively told Completesports.com after the match.
“I’m proud of these players. They gave their best. They held their confidence high, refusing to be intimidated by a so-called ‘Premier League’ team. They stood their ground firmly.
“Now we’re in the Federation Cup final in our first season. The Government of Ebonyi State is happy. The good people of Ebonyi State are right now celebrating on the streets because they’ve never experienced this moment before.
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“These boys have brought joy to the state and to our ever-loyal and supportive fans. Yes, we know the biggest game—the final—is still ahead. But let’s enjoy this moment first. When we get back home, we’ll begin to think about and prepare for the final, which is also against another NPFL side, Kwara United.
“We entered this competition as underdogs, but now nobody can question our ‘giant-killers’ credentials. Yes, we’ve proved we can compete and hold our own against any team despite our NNL status and position on the league table,” said Onyedika, a former Rangers forward fondly known as ‘Ahidjo’.
By Sab Osuji
