Abakaliki FC striker Okoro admitted his side “didn’t have a day today” after their disappointing outing against NPFL side Kwara United in the President Federation Cup clash held on Saturday. Speaking post‑match, Okoro expressed regret that the team failed to maintain their usual high‑performance mentality, which contributed to the narrow defeat.
Okoro noted that despite their earlier heroics eliminating top-flight teams Saturday’s performance fell short of expectations. “It wasn’t our day,” he said, acknowledging a lack of precision and cohesion in crucial moments. The forward added that the team will return to the Nigeria National League focused and determined to rediscover their form, aiming for promotion.
The match marked a turning point for Abakaliki FC, who arrived in Lagos hopeful after their cup run and a resolved half-pay dispute. Yet their underwhelming display allowed Kwara United to capitalise, prompting introspection within the squad and coaching staff over missed chances.
Okoro concluded by promising improvement “We’ll learn and come back stronger.” His message emphasised unity and resilience ahead of the tough league campaign that awaits them.
Editorial
We believe Okoro’s honest assessment is a sign of maturity within the squad. Accepting responsibility after a high-stakes defeat is not easy, but it shows character. It’s clear that Abakaliki FC understand success isn’t guaranteed it must be earned day in, day out.
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We see this loss not as a failure, but as a valuable lesson. Eliminating top-tier teams is no small feat, yet sustaining that level across competitions proves more challenging. Okoro’s resolve to refocus on the league underscores a team grounded in reality and eager to rebuild.
Their journey from resolving wage disputes to giant-killing cup runs and then this setback reveals resilience. That experience is precious. We believe that humility and introspection will guide their regrouping, helping them transform this disappointment into a platform for promotion success.
We trust that lessons learned here will pay dividends. If Abakaliki FC channel this setback into renewed purpose, they can return not only as contenders, but as champions in pursuit of NNL promotion. We began by acknowledging their accountability we end with our conviction: this team’s future will be defined by how strongly they respond. Their spirit suggests they’re ready to rise.
Did You Know?
- Abakaliki FC secured their Federation Cup final spot despite being relegated to Nigeria National League—only the second NNL team to do so in back-to-back finals.
- They resolved a mid-season half-pay salary dispute just before the cup final, restoring squad harmony.
- The club’s secret weapon, HPM (“high-performance mentality”), was credited by captain Cyril Timothy as the key to their giant-killing cup run.
- In the cup run, Abakaliki FC eliminated four NPFL sides Katsina United, Enyimba, Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City.
- NFF president Ibrahim Gusau hailed the club’s achievements as proof of the Nigerian National League’s talent depth.
