By Victor Nwegede
The woes of Abakaliki FC in the Nigeria National League (NNL) deepened over the weekend as they suffered a 3-2 home defeat to visiting Sporting FC of Lagos, plunging the Ebonyi-based side to the bottom of Conference B.
The loss, witnessed by disappointed home fans at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, marked a turning point in what has been an underwhelming season for Abakaliki FC.
The team now sits at the base of the table with just 14 points from 15 matches—compounded by a 1-0 loss to Solution FC in Awka last Wednesday.
Abakaliki FC faces a daunting road ahead with five crucial matches remaining. These include away ties against Rovers of Calabar, Godswill Akpabio FC, and Madiba FC, along with home fixtures against Osun United and ABS FC. The margin for error is slim, and any further slip-ups could seal the team's fate in the relegation zone.
A potential complication lies in the composition of the lower-ranked teams, with four out of the bottom five sides in Conference B hailing from Yoruba-speaking states. Observers suggest this could foster mutual sympathies that may influence match outcomes in the relegation battle.
In light of their precarious position, urgent calls are mounting for a complete overhaul of Abakaliki FC. Stakeholders have emphasized the need to recruit experienced football administrators and technically sound coaches who understand the demands of surviving relegation.
Governor Francis Nwifuru’s initiative to acquire and support the club has been widely praised, and many believe it must not be allowed to fail due to internal mismanagement or selfish interests. With just one season in the NNL, relegation would be a significant setback to the Governor’s ambition of establishing a footballing legacy in Ebonyi State.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the bloated number of team officials accompanying the squad during matches. Calls for compliance with the standard practice of limiting traveling officials to nine have grown louder, citing similar protocols observed by top-tier clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Despite league struggles, Abakaliki FC’s recent semi-final berth in the Presidential Federation Cup offers a glimmer of hope. Stakeholders urged the team to leverage this achievement to fuel a strong finish to the league season.
To escape relegation, the team must secure maximum points in their remaining home games and aim for at least a draw in the remaining away fixtures. With renewed focus, discipline, and strategic adjustments, Abakaliki FC could yet salvage their season and keep hope alive for their fans, sponsors, and the state government.
