High Hopes As Abakaliki FC Resume Training For New Season
Excitement is building in Ebonyi State as Abakaliki FC, fondly known as the “Rice Boys”, return to camp to begin pre-season training ahead of the fast-approaching Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
After more than a month’s break, players and officials are back with renewed determination to turn the page on last season’s setbacks.
Despite being relegated from the NNL, the team’s impressive run to the Federation Cup final where they narrowly lost to Kwara United on penalties has fuelled optimism for a stronger campaign.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, who secured the club’s immediate return to the second division by purchasing an available NNL slot, has urged the squad to put the disappointment of relegation behind them and aim for promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Although key players such as Daniel Eni (now with Rangers) and Ezema (currently training with Bendel Insurance) have moved on, the club is expected to recruit fresh attacking talent to address last season’s goal-scoring struggles.
With experienced football administrator Obinna Ogba at the helm and the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Richard Idike, expected to introduce stronger policies, fans are hopeful that improved player welfare, strategic signings, and enhanced technical input from the coaching crew will deliver a promotion-chasing season.
For the Rice Boys, the mission is clear rise from last season’s disappointments and fight for a place in the top tier of Nigerian football.
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