Abakaliki FC may have fallen short in Saturday’s Nigeria President Federation Cup final, but they returned home to a hero’s welcome and millions in state-backed rewards.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, on Monday, announced a series of financial incentives to players, coaches, and staff of the club following their narrow defeat to Kwara United in the final held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
Each player and coach will receive ₦1 million, members of the Supporters Club ₦4 million, and non-technical staff ₦500,000 each.
In a show of appreciation for the media’s role in the club’s journey, the Ebonyi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) was also awarded ₦1 million.
READ MORE: KWARA-GOVERNOR-HONOURS-FEDERATION-CUP-HEROES-WITH-CASH-AND-LAND-PRIZES
Nwifuru also pledged to pay the salaries of the current players until November and return the club to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in the next season, despite their relegation to the third tier of Nigerian football, NLO.
Though the final ended goalless in regular time, Kwara United held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties, securing their first major silverware in four decades and a CAF Confederation Cup slot for the 2025–26 season.
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Despite the loss, Abakaliki FC’s fairy-tale run, which included upsets over Enyimba, Katsina United, Nasarawa United, and Ikorodu City, has earned admiration nationwide.
Kwara United’s Junior Aimufua struck the post early on, and Wasiu Alalade had a goal ruled out for offside, but it was in the shootout that the Afonja Warriors sealed glory.
