Abakaliki Football Club, fondly called De Rice Boys, have fired a strong warning shot to rivals ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season with three consecutive victories in their pre-season tour of Awka, Anambra State.
The Ebonyi-based side, coached by Ifeanyi Onyedika, began their preparation weeks ago with an intensive screening exercise in Abakaliki that attracted notable domestic league players. Taking the momentum into Awka, De Rice Boys swept aside their opponents with remarkable resilience and flair.
Their pre-season opener ended with a 1-0 triumph over fellow NNL campaigners, Solution FC. In the return fixture, Abakaliki FC proved their superiority again, edging the hosts 3-2 in a thriller. They capped the run with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Peace FC, extending their winning streak and underlining their readiness for the season ahead.
The impressive form is in stark contrast to last season’s struggles, when the team battled to score goals or secure consistent results in the league. Despite their relegation from the last NNL, Abakaliki FC stunned the nation with an inspiring run to the 2024 NFF President Federation Cup final, where they bowed out gallantly on penalties to NPFL giants Kwara United.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, who received the team after that Federation Cup heroics, had described their relegation as “suspicious,” considering their fearless performances against top-flight clubs like Enyimba International, Taraba FC, and Ikorodu FC.
The governor praised their anthem, “Ka Anya di ndi uwa, Chim agaghi ekwe ka Ochicho ndi achoghi odi mma anyi mee”, and urged the players to deliver even better in the new season. He also pledged improved welfare packages to boost morale in the squad.
While the club lost some key players to NPFL sides including Rangers International, Warri Wolves, and Bendel Insurance in the last transfer window, De Rice Boys appear to have rebuilt quickly, overcoming the departure setback with a determined and balanced squad.
Fans across Ebonyi, led by passionate supporter Maurice Mbam, are confident that the club will not only bounce back in the league but also replicate last season’s cup heroics. Excitement is already building as Abakaliki FC prepare to reintroduce themselves as serious contenders in Nigeria’s second-tier league.
For De Rice Boys, the message is clear: the fightback has begun.
