Abakaliki FC reignited confidence among its supporters on Saturday after securing a decisive 2–0 home victory over Solution FC of Awka in a Nigeria National League (NNL) week-three clash at the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium.
The match, which remained tense and goalless through the first half, swung in favour of the home side when Abakaliki FC broke the deadlock with two second-half goals.
The victory lifted team spirit and sparked renewed optimism among fans who had been left disappointed following the club’s 1-1 draw in their season opener.
Shortly after the match, stakeholders and local leaders poured into the pitch to congratulate the team, commending the players’ resilience and determination.
Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Chief Stephen Ebere Nwogba, lauded the team’s performance, stating that the win had restored excitement among supporters.
“Failure is an orphan, but success has many fathers. When you drew your first match at home, the stadium emptied with mixed feelings. Today, victory has brought everyone together again," Nwogba said.
He urged the players to maintain the momentum in line with Governor Francis Nwifuru’s vision for the club and announced a N200,000 cash reward for the team.
Also speaking, Chief Chinedu Uburu, Chairman of Ebonyi LGA and head of ALGON in the state, commended the squad for “bringing joy back to the faces of fans.”
Uburu donated N500,000 in appreciation of the victory and called on residents to continue supporting initiatives aimed at transforming sports in Ebonyi.
Acting Chief Coach Starplus Anista expressed satisfaction with the team’s fighting spirit and thanked stakeholders for their unwavering support.
“We massively count on our 12th player, the fans. With their energy, we’re confident of achieving all set targets this season,” he said.
Team captain Cyril Timothy described the win as a “major mental boost,” adding that the squad is determined to sustain a winning mentality.
Despite the loss, a Solution FC player who preferred anonymity blamed the match referee for the outcome, alleging that certain decisions “thwarted their game plan.”
With the victory, Abakaliki FC now sits at four points from three matches, a modest recovery after suspending Chief Coach Ifeanyi Onyedika following the earlier home draw against Calabar Rovers.
The club hopes that Saturday’s win will mark a turning point as it seeks stability and improved results in the ongoing NNL campaign.
