Abakaliki FC head coach, Ifeanyi Onyedika, is upbeat on his side’s chances in the Federation Cup final against Kwara United on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Abakaliki, who are the underdogs in the 2025 final against Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Kwara United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday, will hope to follow in the footsteps of Elkanemi Warriors, who defeated Abia Warriors in the 2024 edition.
“We are here for the Federation Cup final,” said Onyedika, who has won the Federation Cup titles both as a player and a coach, to pressmen on Friday.
“We were not joking coming here, we’re here to win, and that’s a fact. We will do our best to win. But I must tell you it has not been easy, but finally we are here.”
Abakaliki FC defeated the likes of Enyimba, Nasarawa United, Katsina United, and Ikorodu City in previous rounds. On the nickname “giant killers”, the 1980 AFCON winner insists there is no pressure for his boys ahead of the final.
“To my boys, there is no pressure anymore. We have beaten Enyimba, Nasarawa United, and Kastina United, so the pressure must have disappeared. We are not under pressure anymore. I have won it all, and I understand the expectations of our fans, but I am not under pressure.”
On his part, the club captain, Timothy Cyril, spoke about just winning, as that is the only focus for the side following their relegation to the third division.
“We are here to take the trophy back to Ebonyi. We have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly on our way here. We are grateful to our coaches and management who have helped us to be here in the final. We are taking the trophy home, and that is our aim.”
Saturday’s final between Kwara United and Abakaliki FC will kick off by 4pm. The winner will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
