Abakaliki FC Suspend Head Coach Ifeanyi Onyedika After Opening-Day Draw, Star Plus Ani Steps In
Abakaliki FC have announced the suspension of their head coach, Ifeanyi Onyedika, following the team’s disappointing 1–1 draw against Rovers FC in their 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season opener.
Club Chairman, Senator Obinna Ogba, confirmed the decision shortly after the final whistle at the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium. He said the move became necessary as the management seeks to “restore discipline, inject renewed energy and set the tone for a more competitive campaign.”
Read Also: Anthony Joshua’s Fight With Jake Paul Faces Sensitive Questions, As Controversy Erupts Over Motives
Assistant coach Star Plus Aniesta—widely known among fans as Star Plus Ani—has been appointed to take charge of the team on an interim basis. Ani has been instructed to immediately assume all technical responsibilities as the club works to steady its season.
Senator Ogba reassured the supporters that the club is fully committed to strengthening the squad:
“We are determined to ensure Abakaliki FC competes better in the coming fixtures. The management will do everything possible to achieve improved results.”
State Government Backs Suspension
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Richard Ugo-Idike, also reacted strongly to the stalemate, expressing dissatisfaction with both the performance and the coaching approach.
“I’m not impressed at all,” he said. “The chief coach was standing like a stooge on the bench. There was no motivation for the players. With the support the state government is giving, this is not the result we should be getting.”
While he commended the players for their effort, he emphasized that poor motivation affected their output on the pitch and warned that neither players nor officials would be indulged going forward.
Star Plus Ani: ‘Not a Celebration, But the Target Remains NPFL’
Responding to his interim appointment, Star Plus Ani described the moment as one of “mixed feelings,” acknowledging his respect for Coach Onyedika.
“This is not a job I am celebrating because he is like a father to me,” Ani said. “But we made a promise to the people of Ebonyi State—to take Abakaliki FC to the NPFL—and that ambition has not changed. Fans should expect us to keep working toward that goal.”
Ani, who has been part of the team’s technical setup, assured supporters that the new phase will bring renewed commitment as the club chases promotion
Post Views: 127
