BY EDITOR
Allegations of misappropriation surrounding the ₦1 million reward fund for Abakaliki FC players by Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State have sparked a fresh wave of scrutiny and public demand for transparency in Ebonyi State’s sports sector.
The controversy followed the club’s recent outing at the President Federation Cup final at Mobolaji Johnson Arena Lagos State, where Abakaliki FC emerged runners-up after a penalty loss to Kwara United.
Despite Governor Nwifuru's directive that ₦1 million be paid to each participating player, reports on social media accused sports officials and supporters’ leaders of diverting the funds.
In response, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Prince Richard Idike, dismissed the allegations as "baseless and malicious," insisting that due process was followed in all disbursements.
“Thirty-four registered players received their ₦1 million as directed by the Governor. The others, who weren’t registered for the FA Cup, were given ₦100,000 each for transport, sourced from allowances agreed upon by team officials,” Idike explained.
He emphasized that the Ministry maintains a culture of accountability and transparency, adding that the public should disregard what he called politically motivated accusations.
Backing the Commissioner's claim, team captain Cyrin Timothy confirmed that all registered players had received their payments.
“I can confidently say that every player officially registered for the FA Cup got their ₦1 million,” Timothy told reporters.
Attention also turned to the disbursement of ₦4 million meant for the club’s supporters.
Maurice Mbam, Chairman of Abakaliki FC Supporters Club, denied embezzling funds, clarifying that ₦1.5 million was paid into his account via the Ministry of Sports and shared among 100 supporters.
“Each traveling supporter received ₦30,000. Lagos-based supporters were given ₦1 million separately. The process was transparent, and we held a meeting to explain the sharing formula,” Mbam stated.
He accused unnamed political appointees of fueling the allegations for selfish reasons and used the opportunity to call out widespread corruption within public office.
“Many government officials finished their personal houses in record time while leaving their ministries to rot. That’s the real scandal,” Mbam said.
The controversy highlighted persistent gaps in fund management and public trust in Nigeria’s sports administration.
Though officials have denied wrongdoing, the backlash reflects a larger demand for transparency, especially when public funds are involved.
Analysts said sports journalists must rise to the challenge not only to report matches, but to monitor fund allocation, expose irregularities, and advocate for ethical standards.
Without proactive oversight, public perception will continue to tilt toward suspicion, no matter how legitimate the process may be.
It was gathered that the Ebonyi officials may have calmed the storm for now, but the call for open, documented, and accountable financial systems in Nigerian sports has never been louder.
