By Victor Nwegede
It was a day of mixed emotions and determined grit at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium as Abakaliki FC edged ABS of Ilorin 1-0 in a crucial encounter that may well shape the destiny of their season.
Despite not delivering a flawless performance, the home side walked away with all three points—something Assistant Captain Omar Joseph said they can only attribute to divine favour.
“Today is one of those days. We give God all the glory for going back with victory. Sometimes you don’t play your best but still get the result, and we thank God for it," Joseph told reporters shortly after the match.
The lone goal, scored in the first half, was enough to silence their visitors from Ilorin and momentarily ease Abakaliki FC’s relegation worries. But Joseph knows that the work is far from over.
“We know we haven’t done enough yet. After this match, it’s back to intense training. We need to stay focused because our coaches are doing a great job, and it’s now our responsibility to reflect that effort on the pitch.
“Today’s job is done, and we’re already thinking about the next match. We need to smile home again," he said.
The victory, though slim, has renewed belief within the Abakaliki FC camp, with Joseph confidently assuring fans of a strong campaign finish.
“For the end victory, I give our fans 90 per cent assurance we will take the trophy home.
We’re not God, so we can’t give 100 per cent—but with our coaches’ efforts and God’s grace, we believe we’ll come out victorious," Joseph declared.
With their next match scheduled against First Bank FC in Lagos, Joseph had words of caution for his teammates: “This victory shouldn’t make us complacent. Today is a step forward, but tomorrow is even more important. Everyone must give 100 per cent. We are going to Lagos with one mission—victory.”
On the losing side, ABS of Ilorin captain Boniface Timothy maintained a sportsmanlike tone, though he hinted at frustrations over the officiating.
“We came all the way from Ilorin and gave our best. The match is done, and though we’re not happy with some decisions, we remain focused. We’ll regroup and prepare for our home game. We’re confident we’re clear of relegation worries," said Timothy.
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Dr. Matthew Nwobashi, praised Abakaliki FC for the win but didn’t shy away from pointing out their shortcomings.
“The boys played well, and winning is always a good thing. But they need to improve their attacking machinery. The visiting team wasn’t aggressive, and if they were, this result might have been different. Scoring just one goal in the dying minutes leaves little room for comfort, Nwobashi observed.
Saturday’s win at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium Abakaliki wasn’t just a result—it was a statement. With the threat of relegation looming and the season nearing its climax, every point counts. For Abakaliki FC, this was more than just a win—it was a morale lifter, a glimmer of hope, and perhaps a turning point.
They may not be perfect, but under the leadership of committed players like Omar Joseph and the guidance of their technical bench, De Rice Boys have shown they’re not ready to go down without a fight.
As the Nigeria National League (NNL) heads into its final stretch, the upcoming clash in Lagos between Abakaliki FC and First Bank FC looms large --- potentially a pivotal moment for both clubs.
