Ezema: Federation Cup Glory Can Redeem Abakaliki FC’s Tough Season

Abakaliki FC centre-back Ifeanyi Ezema has stated that winning the 2025 President Federation Cup would offer the only solace for the club’s dismal league campaign, which is likely to end in relegation. The Ebonyi-based club has struggled in the Nigeria National League (NNL), finding themselves at the bottom of Conference B with just 17 points from 18 matches and only two games left to play.

Despite their league troubles, Abakaliki FC has found unexpected success in the President Federation Cup. They reached the final in their debut season after defeating Ikorodu City FC 6-5 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in regulation time. Their Cup run also includes impressive victories over several top-tier clubs such as Katsina United, Nasarawa United, Enyimba, and Ikorodu City.

Now set to face Kwara United in the final on a date yet to be announced by the Nigeria Football Federation Ezema believes this match is more than just a trophy opportunity. “We’re prepared and fully focused,” he said in an interview with Yohaig NG. “It won’t be easy, but we’re going to give it our all, knowing that victory will serve as the only compensation to our supporters, the government, and the people of Ebonyi State.”

Reflecting on their Cup journey, Ezema emphasised that the squad has proven their quality despite their league form. “Yes, our league performance hasn’t been great, but you can check the number of NPFL sides we’ve beaten—that tells you we’re not a bad team. We hope to fight and replicate that form in the final.”

Editorial

In Nigerian football, where success often feels reserved for the elite clubs, Abakaliki FC’s run to the President Federation Cup final is a powerful reminder that underdogs still have a place in the national conversation. While their league campaign has been disappointing likely ending in relegation their Cup performance has captured imaginations across the country.

We believe this speaks volumes about the spirit of football. A struggling team in the second tier, written off by many, knocks out heavyweights like Enyimba and Nasarawa United on the way to the final. It’s not just about the wins it’s about resilience, pride, and fighting for something bigger than league points. It’s about giving fans a reason to believe again.

Ezema’s words are a rallying cry—not just for Abakaliki FC but for every club that has faced setbacks. He knows what this final means. It’s a shot at redemption, at proving that their value can’t be measured only by league tables. It’s a gift to the loyal supporters who stayed hopeful even when defeat became familiar.

The President Federation Cup has always had a romantic element—the idea that any team, no matter how lowly, can climb the mountain. That romance is alive again, thanks to Abakaliki FC. Win or lose, they’ve already reminded us of football’s deeper purpose: unity, belief, and the audacity to dream.

We’ll be watching closely as they face Kwara United, hoping that their story ends with the glory they so richly deserve.

Did You Know?

1. The President Federation Cup was formerly known as the FA Cup and has been contested since 1945.
2. Enyimba FC, one of the teams Abakaliki defeated, has won the Nigerian league a record eight times.
3. Only a handful of clubs have reached the Federation Cup final in their debut season Abakaliki FC now joins that elite group.
4. Kwara United won their only Federation Cup title in 1998 under the name Kwara Bombers.
5. The last time a team outside the NPFL won the Federation Cup was Dolphins FC in 2001, when they were still in the second tier.