By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
Plans have reached advanced stage to inaugurate a football team in Ebonyi State as part of efforts to restore the glory of sporting activities in the State.
The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, announced this at the finals of the 2024 Federation Cup in Abakaliki.
Idike said that the successes recorded in the 2024 edition of the federation cup would be sustained and urged the state representatives to be good ambassadors in the national series of the federation cup.
“The state government is desirous to return football and other sporting actions to the state and arrangements have been concluded for the state’s participation in the Nigeria National League (NNL) series in 2025.
“Our new football team will soon be unveiled and the fans who have long yearned for national football actions would be happy again.”
in an interview with newsmen, former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Obinna Ogba said he was thrilled with the return of Federation Cup glamour to Ebonyi State.
The state usually experienced difficulties in organising state federation cup matches in the past and competing teams usually came from neighbouring south east states while trophies and medals were not presented after the finals.
Ogba said that the footballing tide in the state had changed.
The Chairman of the Ebonyi Football Association said that the glamour witnessed in the state’s 2024 federation cup was a testimony that the sporting spirit has been rekindled in the state.
“This is because we presently have a governor who is youthful and interested in developing sports in the state.
“I discussed fruitfully with him and he has shown unbridled commitment to return Ebonyi back to its sporting days.
“The governor realises that sports is the bedrock of youth development with inherent opportunities to unearth and harness God-given talents,”.
The former Senate Committee Chairman on Sports said that the governor’s enthusiasm motivated the state FA to produce a spectacular edition of the federation cup.
“I commend all the teams, officials and fans who participated in this edition and assure of improved performances in future editions.
“I want to announce that the governor has approved the floating of two new football teams–male and female for the state.”
The final played on March 30 at the Pa Ngele Oruta stadium Abakaliki, saw Cynosure Football Club defeating PCM FC 5-4 on penalties after full time scores stood at 1-1.
