Abakaliki FC has suspended its head coach, Mr. Ifeanyi Onyedika, following the club’s 1–1 home draw against Rovers FC in their opening fixture of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League season.
The announcement was made shortly after the match by the Club Chairman, Senator Obinna Ogba, who described the decision as necessary to restore discipline and reposition the team for better performance.
Senator Ogba disclosed that the assistant coach, popularly known as Star Plus Aniesta, has been directed to immediately assume full technical responsibilities.
He assured fans that the management remains committed to strengthening the squad and implementing measures aimed at achieving improved results in subsequent matches.
Also reacting to the disappointing draw, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Richard Ugo-Idike, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the performance.
He fully supported the club’s decision, lamenting that such a result was unacceptable considering the support the team receives from the state government.
He criticized the suspended coach for failing to motivate the players, describing his touchline conduct as passive.
Despite his criticism of the coaching approach, the commissioner commended the players for their effort, noting that they lacked proper motivation and technical guidance.
He warned that any player or official who fails to take the club’s ambition seriously will not be tolerated as the season progresses.
Reacting to his new role, Star Plus Aniesta said he received the suspension of Coach Onyedika with mixed feelings, acknowledging him as a father figure.
However, he reaffirmed the team’s ambition of gaining promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, assuring supporters that Abakaliki FC remains on course to fulfil its promise to the people of Ebonyi State.
