Abakaliki FC, during the weekend, recorded a morale-boosting 1–0 victory over Sporting Lagos FC in a Nigeria National League (NNL) encounter at Pa Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
The victory has boosted the team’s confidence ahead of their next NNL fixture against Osun United.
Reacting after the match, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Nwankwo Pius Nwankwo, described the encounter as an exciting contest that ended positively for the home side.
“The game was beautiful and it ended well. The boys played very well,” he said.
Chairman of the Abakaliki Supporters Club, Prince Morris Nnanna Mbam, said the result proved the team’s readiness to compete at the highest level in the group.
“The boys are ready and they have shown that. Even as one of the toughest teams in our group, we proved that we are not just ‘De Rice boys’ but fully prepared for this tournament,” he stated.
Mbam, however, expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as questionable officiating decisions, alleging that Abakaliki FC were denied a clear penalty and a legitimate goal.
“These boys merited more than one goal,” he added, urging the players to maintain their winning mentality, especially in home matches.
Head coach of Abakaliki FC, Coach Star Plus, acknowledged the quality of Sporting Lagos FC, noting that they arrived as table toppers after an impressive 2–0 victory over Akwa United.
“We knew Sporting Lagos FC were not a small team and that their morale would be high. But our boys fought from the first whistle to the final whistle, believed in themselves and achieved the result,” he said.
The coach attributed the team’s back-to-back victories to consistency and a renewed focus on the league this season, adding that the team has already shifted focus to the next challenge.
“After this game, we move on. Osun United, we are ready,” he added.
With momentum on their side, Abakaliki FC will be looking to build on the Sporting Lagos FC victory when they face Osun United in their next NNL fixture.