Abakaliki FC continued their steady rise in the Nigeria National League (NNL) with a hard-earned 1–0 victory over First Bank FC in a Matchday 8 encounter at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, further boosting their promotion ambitions.
The tightly contested fixture lived up to its billing, with both sides displaying tactical discipline and resilience.
Despite occupying the bottom of the league table with just one point, First Bank FC put up a spirited performance, showing renewed confidence under their newly appointed head coach and former Super Eagles player, Duke Udi.
The decisive moment came late in the first half when Abakaliki FC striker Emmanuel Ugochukwu broke the deadlock, converting sustained pressure from the home side into the game’s only goal.
The strike proved crucial as it separated the two teams in a match where clear-cut chances were few and far between.
The second half saw a shift in intensity, with First Bank FC pushing forward in search of an equaliser while Abakaliki FC adopted a more compact and organised approach.
The home side’s defence, marshalled effectively alongside a composed goalkeeping display, stood firm to repel the visitors’ attacks and protect their slender lead until the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Prince Richard Idike, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and reiterated the club’s long-term objective.
“Our aim is to be promoted to the Premier League, and from what the boys are doing, we believe we will get there.
"The defenders are doing well, the goalkeeper is perfect, but we need more effort from the strikers. I believe the coach will address that," Idike said.
He also addressed concerns about the playing surface, assuring supporters that the pitch is undergoing professional maintenance and will improve as the season progresses.
First Bank FC head coach Duke Udi, who took charge of the team two weeks ago, praised his players despite the defeat.
“This is my first match with the team. We came, we saw, we tried, and unfortunately we lost.
"The boys fought well, and with better facilities and development, Nigerian football can grow to the level we see in countries like Morocco," he said.
Abakaliki FC head coach, Starplus Aniesta, described the victory as vital at this stage of the campaign, emphasising the difficulty of maintaining consistency in the league.
“Three points anywhere is not easy. Getting to the top is one thing, but staying there is the hardest. We will keep working hard; there is no day off," he said.
Midfielder Emmanuel Oguchukwu was named Sportlight Hub Man of the Match for his commanding performance. He acknowledged the toughness of the encounter and urged fans to continue supporting the team.
With the win, Abakaliki FC move up to third position on the NNL table with 15 points from eight matches, intensifying the race for promotion.
Attention now turns to Matchday 9, where Abakaliki FC will travel to face Stormers FC of Abeokuta on Sunday, January 11, 2026, as they look to maintain their momentum in the league.
