Abakaliki FC has placed its head coach, Ifeanyi Onyedika, on indefinite suspension following what the club described as a series of “unimpressive performances.” The announcement was made on Saturday at the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium in Ebonyi State after the team’s 1–1 home draw against Calabar Rovers in their opening Nigeria National League (NNL) match.
Speaking to journalists after the encounter, the club’s Chairman, Senator Obinna Ogba, said the management could no longer tolerate the continued dip in results. Ogba, who noted that Onyedika—an AFCON ’80 winner—had been given enough time to turn things around, stressed that patience had finally run out.
According to him, “We began preparations for this season more than three months ago, yet the results remain disappointing. The team even featured in a pre-season tournament in Shagamu, Ogun State, but failed to progress to the knockout stage. We cannot continue waiting for improvements that are not coming.”
The club immediately announced Assistant Coach Starplus Anista as the new head of the technical department. Ogba expressed hope that the team would bounce back as the season progresses, adding that management would continue to motivate the players to achieve better results.
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, also backed the decision, saying that recent results made the suspension necessary. Idike criticized the former coach’s lack of tactical input during matches, noting that the government expects improved performances this season.
“We cannot allow a repeat of last season’s failures. Anyone who is not ready to work will be shown the way out,” he said, adding that the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru is committed to ensuring that the club’s investments yield positive outcomes.
In his reaction, Acting Head Coach Starplus Anista expressed regret over Onyedika’s suspension, noting that they had worked as a team and should have been given more time to fix the problems.
On the other side, Calabar Rovers’ coach, Christian Okonkwo, praised his players for executing his game plan despite what he described as Abakaliki FC’s “kick and follow” style of play.
Abakaliki FC made headlines nationwide in 2025 after securing a silver medal in the Federation Cup during its debut season—a feat that raised expectations from fans and stakeholders.
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