The 15,000-capacity Pa-Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, is expected to erupt with excitement as Abakaliki FC, nicknamed “The Rice Boys,” take on Madiba FC of Lagos, also known as “The Oshodi Boys,” in the Conference B Nigeria National League (NNL) 2024 curtain raiser.
Abakaliki FC, formed in October 2024 by the Ebonyi State government, will face a stiff challenge from Madiba FC, who finished third in the NNL Super 8 tournament in Enugu last season. Madiba FC boasts an experienced coach in Solomon Bala and retains 80% of their players from the previous season.
On the other hand, Abakaliki FC is led by experienced coach Ifeanyi Onyedika, who has previously coached defunct Ebonyi Angels, Dolphins, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, and Briller FC of Enugu. With the full backing of Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the presence of two-time Distinguished Senator Obinna as its Chairman, Abakaliki FC is poised to spring surprises in front of their home fans.
The match is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams having the potential to secure a win. However, pundits predict that the game might end in a draw, given the government backing of Abakaliki FC and Madiba FC’s consistency in the NNL.
Other teams in Conference B include Solution FC of Anambra, Rovers of Calabar, First Bank of Lagos, Osun United, Gateway United of Ogun, Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, ABS of Ilorin, and Sporting Lagos.
