Abakaliki FC has bolstered its technical team with the appointment of former Rangers International player Jude Agara and two other officials as assistant coaches as the club intensifies preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
The appointments form part of the club’s strategy to build a disciplined, competitive, and high-performing squad capable of securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Abakaliki on Monday, Chairman of Abakaliki FC, Senator Obinna Ogba, expressed confidence that the new additions would improve the club’s technical capacity and strengthen its push for top-flight football.
According to Ogba, the club has also appointed Anthony Idowu as an assistant coach, while the team’s immediate past captain, Timothy Cyril, has joined the technical crew as a trainer after retiring from professional football.
He explained that the appointments are part of a broader restructuring aimed at positioning the Ebonyi-based club for a successful campaign in the upcoming NNL season.
Ogba noted that the management remains committed to achieving the vision of Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, whose administration has continued to support the club’s ambition of earning promotion to the NPFL.
Head Coach Anistar Starplus described the appointments as a significant step toward building a formidable team capable of competing at the highest level. He said the inclusion of experienced football professionals would improve the squad’s quality and enhance the club’s competitiveness throughout the season.
The coach expressed optimism about the team’s readiness and appealed to football supporters, stakeholders, and residents of Ebonyi State to rally behind the club as it pursues promotion.
Starplus also commended the management of Abakaliki FC and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State Chapter, for their continued collaboration in promoting the club. He urged the media to sustain positive coverage that would highlight the team’s progress and achievements.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed officials, former Rangers International midfielder Jude Agara assured the club’s management of his commitment to working closely with the head coach and other members of the technical crew.
He pledged to contribute his experience toward building a disciplined, resilient, and result-driven squad capable of meeting the club’s objectives.
Similarly, Anthony Idowu and newly appointed trainer Timothy Cyril reaffirmed their dedication to teamwork and promised to support the club’s quest for success in the new campaign.
Abakaliki FC has continued to emerge as one of Nigeria’s fast-rising football clubs after reaching the latter stages of the 2025 President Federation Cup. The club is expected to begin intensive pre-season preparations as it targets a strong performance in the 2026/27 Nigeria National League season.
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