In a bid to quash swirling social media rumors, Senator Obinna Ogba, the manager of Abakaliki Football Club, has refuted claims that players are protesting against the club’s management over a purported slash in May salaries.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Senator Ogba dismissed the speculation as "baseless," asserting that there are no immediate plans to reduce players’ wages. He acknowledged, however, that internal discussions had been held with the squad, emphasizing the need for improved performance—especially in their recent home fixture against Sporting Lagos FC.
“There was no salary slash,” Ogba stated. “We only made it clear to the players that poor results might influence future incentives. It was a motivational strategy, not a threat or punishment.”
The club’s performance has been under intense scrutiny following a string of disappointing results, including back-to-back defeats—most notably a second loss to Sporting Lagos.
In a move that has sparked public debate, Ebonyi State’s Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Prince Richard Idike, defended the conditional pay policy, confirming that a 50% salary reduction was proposed following the team’s underwhelming displays.
“Performance should determine earnings,” Idike said. “This is not punitive. The decision was framed as an incentive to push the players toward better results. The withheld wages are not forfeited; they can still earn them back.”
According to Idike, the team has been given substantial backing, including as much as ₦5 million in win bonuses and personal pledges from stakeholders. He warned that relegation to the Nationwide League One (NLO) would be a severe blow—not only to the club but also to the players’ professional prospects.
With two critical fixtures on the horizon, pressure mounts on Abakaliki FC to escape the drop and keep their Nigeria National League (NNL) status intact. Idike remains optimistic, placing faith in the squad to turn their fortunes around and even contend for the prestigious President Federation Cup.
“Accountability is a cornerstone of professional football,” the commissioner concluded. “We believe in these players, but belief must be backed with results.”
