By Roland Ike
The Ebonyi State government has announced the floating of a new football club which will compete in the forthcoming Nigeria National League season.
Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike made the announcement on Tuesday while overseeing the screening of intending players for the club at the Pa Ngele Oruta stadium, Abakaliki.
Idike said the government acquired the Coal City Football Club of Enugu which competes in the NNL series and has named the new club, Abakaliki FC.
‘We are currently formalising registration processes with the NNL to compete in the forthcoming season.
“We are expecting the NNL team on inspection of the stadium as the facility will be closed for usage next week.
“We intend to re-grass the stadium’s pitch among other works to ensure we secure approval for its usage.”
He noted that the government was negotiating with a reputable coach to tinker the team as Ebonyi football fans would marvel at his pedigree.
“We are also negotiating with the Coal City FC to release 15 of its players to us while we secure players from other sources.
“We will beef up the team with talented players across the country to achieve our promotion ambition into the Nigeria Premier Football League.”
Ebonyi does not have a football club since the erstwhile Ebonyi Angels FC was disbanded in 2007.
Efforts made by successive administrations in the state to float a new club proved abortive.
