By Blessing Igidi
Hundreds of passionate youths from Ebonyi State thronged the city of Lagos on Friday to show overwhelming support for Abakaliki Football Club, popularly known as “De Rice Boys,” as they prepare to battle Kwara United FC in the highly anticipated President Federation Cup final today, Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The enthusiastic supporters, clad in the club’s signature green and white colours, arrived in convoys, chanting and waving banners in solidarity with the team.
Their arrival brought a wave of excitement to Lagos, with many residents and football enthusiasts taking note of the large turnout.
The fans expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his unwavering support of youth development and grassroots sports.
They also hailed the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Richard Ugo Idike, for his role in transforming the state's sports sector and providing young athletes with platforms to excel.
“We are here to support our own. Governor Nwifuru has shown he is a youth-friendly leader, and Commissioner Idike has been a true game-changer in sports.
This is our way of showing gratitude,” said Ugochukwu Nnaji, one of the youth delegates from Abakaliki.
Officials from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, including David Ewnelu, Alo Amechi, Igidi Blessing, Nwali Jacinta, and Oko Augustina, were also in attendance to lend their support and ensure seamless coordination.
The staff praised Commissioner Idike’s leadership, citing increased youth participation in competitive sports and improved welfare of athletes.
Speaking on behalf of the sports writers, Comrade Andrew Ndubuisi Nwogha, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State chapter, applauded Senator Obinna Ogba, Chairman of Abakaliki FC, for steering the club to national prominence.
He also thanked Commissioner Idike for being a “father figure” to sports journalists in the state and reaffirmed SWAN’s commitment to promoting the club’s success.
“This is a moment of pride not only for Abakaliki FC but for the entire state. The boys have fought hard to get here, and with this kind of support, they are inspired to go all the way,” Nwogha said.
As the final match draws near at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, the atmosphere is charged with hope and excitement.
Many believe that with the backing of their loyal fans, “De Rice Boys” are poised to etch their names in Nigerian football history by lifting the prestigious President Federation Cup for the first time.
Security has been beefed up around the stadium, and organizers are expecting a capacity crowd.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM, with football lovers across the nation tuning in to witness what promises to be a thrilling climax to the 2025 Federation Cup tournament.
