By Peter Omopo
Abakaliki, July 1, 2025 — Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has announced a ₦1 million cash reward for each of the 34 registered players of Abakaliki Football Club, following the team’s heroic performance at the 2025 President Federation Cup, where they finished as runners-up.
The governor made the announcement on Monday while receiving the team at Government House, Abakaliki, days after they narrowly lost 3–4 on penalties to Kwara United in a goalless final held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on June 28.
In addition to the players’ reward, head coach and ex-international Ifeanyi Onyedika will also receive ₦1 million, while 16 team officials will get ₦500,000 each. The supporters club is to be awarded ₦4 million, and the Ebonyi chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) will receive ₦1 million for their dedicated coverage of the team’s campaign.
Governor Nwifuru commended the club’s stunning rise in Nigerian football, noting their remarkable journey which saw them eliminate top-tier sides such as Enyimba FC of Aba and Nasarawa United of Lafia to reach the final, just eight months after the club’s establishment.
“You made Ebonyi State proud. I watched the final live and was moved by your display of technical brilliance and team spirit,” the governor said.
“You have proven that our investment in Abakaliki FC is yielding results. With continued effort, this team will become the salt of world football,” he added.
Abakaliki FC’s fairytale run in the Federation Cup has captured national attention, and this gesture by the state government is seen as a major boost for grassroots sports development in the region.
