Abakaliki FC began its 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign in controversy on Saturday after a 1–1 home draw against Rovers FC triggered the immediate suspension of the club’s head coach, Ifeanyi Onyedika, by Chairman Senator Obinna Ogba.
The match, played at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, saw Abakaliki FC take the lead early in the second half before Rovers FC equalized in a spirited response. But while the draw disappointed home supporters, it was the post-match fallout that dominated the day.
Speaking moments after the final whistle, Chairman Ogba condemned the performance and announced firm disciplinary action.
“I’m not happy that we played a draw at home. I warned them and I will not experience what we saw last year. For this result, I hereby suspend the chief coach until further notice," Ogba declared.
Asked whether the coach deserved more time, Ogba was uncompromising:
“We started training three months ago. They went for a competition in Shagamu and didn’t qualify. I didn’t say anything then. But now, I won’t take this lightly. The assistant coach should take over immediately.”
Ogba also expressed dissatisfaction with the players’ output but held the coach primarily responsible:
“The players are not different from the coach, but I will not suspend them. The coach must take the pains for now.”
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Prince Richard Idike, endorsed the chairman’s decision, describing the performance as unacceptable for a season opener.
“I am not impressed. Last season we started with a draw, and starting that way again is not a good sign. We are not going to joke this season," Idike said.
The commissioner criticized the Chief coach’s lack of leadership on the touchline:
“My worry is that the chief coach was just standing like a stooge. He was not pushing or encouraging the players. They did well, but they needed someone to ginger them. That did not happen.”
He emphasized that the management is prepared to enforce discipline on any official or player who undermines the club’s ambitions.
Newly appointed acting head coach, Coach Starplus Aniesta, expressed both regret and determination as he stepped into the role.
“This is not a job I will celebrate; my chief coach is like a father to me. But we won’t abandon the task. We will change the narrative for Abakaliki FC, and I will do everything to produce better results," he said.
His appointment marks an immediate shift in technical direction as the club seeks stability.
Rovers FC head coach Christian Okonkwo commended the intensity of the game and commended his team’s response under pressure.
“When they scored, I told my boys we would get one back. The match was fair, the referee was fair. Both teams played well," he noted.
Addressing complaints about a “kick-and-follow” style of play, he said:
“My team does not kick-and-follow. I wanted us to play on the ground, but Abakaliki’s pressure forced us long. The motivation is good, the governor is supporting us, salaries and bonuses are okay. By God’s grace, we aim for the NPFL this season.”
The 1–1 outcome, which should have been routine for a season opener, has instead exposed underlying tension in Abakaliki FC’s technical setup. With leadership demanding immediate improvement and a new coach now in charge, the coming weeks will test the club’s resilience and ambition.
Meanwhile, Abakaliki FC’s next fixture is set to reveal whether the shake-up becomes a turning point or the beginning of a deeper struggle.
