Ifeanyi Onyedika, former Super Eagles forward and current Head Coach of Abakaliki FC, has exclusively told Completesports.com that he is optimistic the Rice Boys have learnt from last season’s Nigeria National League (NNL) experience and are ready to get it right in the 2025/2026 campaign.
Abakaliki FC were relegated to the third-tier Nationwide League One (NLO) at the end of the 2024/2025 season.
Cup Run That Changed Abakaliki FC Fortunes
Despite their relegation setback, the club shocked bookmakers by reaching the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup. They held NPFL side Kwara United to a stalemate before narrowly losing 5-6 on penalties.
Also Read: Abakaliki FC Captain Hails Governor Nwifuru’s Naira Rain Despite Federation Cup Title Loss
Impressed by the team’s fairy-tale cup run, Ebonyi State Governor, His Excellency Francis Nwifuru, rewarded each player with ₦1m and pledged to secure their return to the NNL by purchasing a slot in the second tier.
True to his word, Abakaliki FC successfully bought over the slot of Hammola International FC of Osun State.
Onyedika: “We’ve Learnt Our Lessons”
Now, Coach Onyedika, MON, a member of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning Green Eagles squad, says he is confident that the Rice Boys will fare better this time.
“We’ve learnt our lessons having tested the waters last season,” said Onyedika, fondly called Ahidjo during his playing days.
“Everything is in the hands of God. But I know we have learnt from our last season’s performances and have taken them as a guide heading into the coming campaign.”
Also Read: President Federation Cup: I Never Expected My Team To Go Far –Abakaliki FC Coach, Onyedika
Onyedika boasts a decorated career, having won the league title and the President Federation Cup with Rangers. As a coach, he also lifted the FA Cup with Dolphins of Port Harcourt (now Rivers United).
Abakaliki FC Searching For The Right Talents – Onyedika
Asked about Abakaliki FC’s preparations, the coach revealed that the focus is currently on player recruitment.
“At the moment, we’re trying to get the right talents. Once we do that, we can mould them into a team capable of delivering. That’s our primary objective right now,” Onyedika explained.
He added that while the club has not finalised its pre-season camp venue, the priority remains squad strengthening.
“First things first—getting the right calibre of players with the mentality and technical ability to fit into our programme. Once that’s done, the camp location won’t matter much. It could be Enugu, Owerri, Aba, or anywhere else. Pre-season is also an opportunity to discover more talents wherever we go.”
By Sab Osuji
