The Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Sports, Mr. Pius Nwankwo, an ex-international footballer and former professional player, has called for a comprehensive professional restructuring of the state-owned football club, Abakaliki FC, insisting that the current administrative and technical framework is inadequate to deliver competitive results despite what he described as substantial government funding.
Nwankwo made the remarks during a press conference in Abakaliki, where he assessed the state of sports development in Ebonyi State, the performance of the club, and broader structural challenges affecting sports administration.
He commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for what he described as the revival of sports in the state after years of decline, noting that sporting activities had “almost collapsed for over a decade and a half” before the current administration intervened.
According to him, "the governor has done very well in bringing back sports in Ebonyi State. Sports had almost died for about 15 years. This is an opportunity to say thank you because without sports, many of us would not have relevance or engagement.”
However, the former footballer expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of Abakaliki FC, stating that the club has underperformed relative to its financial backing and expectations.
He argued that the team, despite being one of the better-funded football clubs in Nigeria, has failed to translate investment into results on the pitch.
“I don’t know what people mean when they say the club has done well. My assessment is clear: they have lived below expectations. Abakaliki FC is well-funded, it lacks nothing, but it lacks results. In football, much is given and much is expected," he said.
Drawing a comparison to commercial enterprise, Nwankwo likened the situation to investing in a business without output, insisting that poor performance cannot be excused on the basis of effort alone.
He further maintained that the club’s league performance was unacceptable, rejecting claims that finishing in mid-table positions constituted progress.
“Coming fifth is not success for a club of that magnitude and funding. If you are well-funded and still end up mid-table or close to relegation, then something is fundamentally wrong,” he said.
Nwankwo also raised concerns over the administrative structure of the club, questioning the existence of a functional management system within the organisation.
“There is no proper management structure in Abakaliki FC as it stands. A football club cannot be run the way it is currently being managed,” he stated, adding that multiple board members without clear operational responsibility had contributed to inefficiency.
He, however, stopped short of naming individuals, saying his focus was on systemic reform rather than personal attacks.
On allegations of internal crisis within the club, including claims of salary deductions and disputes between players and management, Nwankwo said such reports should be properly documented and officially submitted for verification.
He noted that while he had heard of such allegations, no concrete evidence had been formally presented to his office.
“If players feel they are being short-changed, they should provide proper documentation. I cannot act on rumours. When they are ready with evidence, my office is open,” he said.
The sports aide also addressed concerns about coaching and technical management, referencing previous coaching arrangements and transitions within the club, including the tenure of former technical handlers.
He argued that technical performance must be judged strictly on league results rather than cup competitions, which he described as “knockout-based and not a true measure of consistency.”
He added that any technical crew managing a well-funded team must be held accountable for performance outcomes, especially in league standings.
Nwankwo, who also disclosed his background as a former professional footballer with experience across multiple countries in Europe and Africa, including stints in West Africa and Europe, said his international exposure informs his perspective on football administration.
He further emphasised that football development should not be driven by sentiment or local bias, but by professionalism and merit.
“Football is not a game of friendship or sentiment. It is a professional business. If you have a team of 30 players and funding is adequate, then performance should reflect that investment,” he said.
He also weighed in on the ongoing debate around the inclusion of indigenous players in the club, stressing that while local talents must be developed, merit and experience should not be compromised.
According to him, successful football systems globally integrate local players with experienced professionals to build competitive squads.
“In every part of the world, you do not build a team on local players alone. You combine experience with local talent. That is how development works,” he added.
Nwankwo further advised young players in the state to take personal responsibility for their careers, urging them not to depend solely on state-owned clubs for professional advancement.
He encouraged players to seek opportunities beyond the state if necessary, describing football as a global and competitive profession.
“Players must be willing to take risks, move out, and challenge themselves. You cannot remain in one place and expect growth,” he said.
He also referenced his personal football journey, noting that his career had taken him across several countries and clubs before transitioning into sports administration and development initiatives, including the establishment of a football academy.
Nwankwo reiterated his call for systemic reform within Ebonyi State sports administration, particularly in the structure overseeing club football development, which he said must be urgently reviewed to prevent continued underperformance.
He stressed that without professional restructuring, improved governance, and accountability, state investment in football would continue to yield limited results despite substantial financial commitment.
