The Ebonyi State Government has officially acquired Coal City Football Club of Enugu, renaming it Abakaliki FC, in preparation for the upcoming Nigeria National League (NNL) season. This announcement was made by the state’s Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, during the club’s player screening at the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium, Abakaliki, on Tuesday.
Ebonyi State has been without a football club since the dissolution of the Ebonyi Angels FC in 2007, despite several attempts by previous administrations to establish a new club. The acquisition of Coal City FC marks a significant milestone in the state’s sports development efforts.
Commissioner Idike confirmed that the Ebonyi State Government is currently finalizing the registration process with the NNL to ensure the team's participation in the forthcoming season. He also revealed that the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium would be undergoing major renovations, including re-grassing the pitch, in anticipation of an inspection by the NNL team.
“The stadium will be closed next week for these upgrades, and we are committed to securing approval for its use,” Idike said.
He further disclosed that the government is in negotiations with a highly reputable coach to lead the team, assuring Ebonyi football fans that the coach’s credentials would impress them.
Additionally, the state is in talks with Coal City FC to release 15 of its players to Abakaliki FC. This, alongside efforts to scout talent from across the country, is part of the state's ambition to build a strong team capable of gaining promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
This development highlights Ebonyi’s renewed focus on sports, particularly football, as a means of fostering youth development and community engagement. The state government remains optimistic that the newly-formed Abakaliki FC will emerge as a force to reckon with in Nigerian football.
