By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, has rewarded all the players of Abakaliki Football Club and management team with N40 million despite their defeat by Kwara United in the just concluded President’s Federation Cup at Mobolaji Johnson Arena Stadium, Lagos state.

The state governor made the disclosure when he received the team in his office at the new Government House, Ochudo centenary city, Abakaliki.

Nwifuru praised the team for their impressive performance and encouraged the players to stay focused despite challenges and difficulties.

He acknowledged the coaches' efforts and advised them to give players equal opportunities to play and make themselves marketable.

The state governor promised to return the team back to Nigerian National league,(NNL) in the next season while revealing that the players salary is expected to run till October and would be reviewed by November 2025.

The team's representative, Mr. Cyril Timothy, thanked the Governor for his goodwill and fatherly care towards the club, promising that the team would live up to expectations.

Also, the Head Coach, Mr. Ifeanyi Onyedika, described the governor's reward as overwhelming and added that the next season would be open for players that would be used to achieve the desired interest of the state governor and fans who showed them an amazing support.

"Our assurance to fans of Abakaliki FC is that we are going to do better than what we did in the just concluded season," Onyedika added.

However, each of the thirty six players was directed to be giving one million as a token of appreciation for their remarkable performance while non-technical staff be rewarded with five hundred thousand naira among others.

The Governor's gesture is seen as a boost to the team's morale and a demonstration of his commitment to promoting sports development in Ebonyi State.