When Abakaliki FC step onto the pitch this Saturday, June 28, 2025, for the President FA Cup final at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena in Lagos, they won’t just be playing a football match—they’ll be chasing redemption.
Fresh off a painful relegation from the Nigeria National League (NNL), the young club—barely seven months old—is now one win away from lifting the President FA Cup final trophy and securing a ticket to continental football, Footballrover reports.
“We are mentally prepared” – Abakaliki FC coach eyes redemption
For Abakaliki FC coach Anistar Izuikem Starplus, this moment is more than just a final. It’s personal. It’s a chance to rewrite the narrative.
Despite the recent league heartbreak, Coach Starplus insists that his players have mentally reset and are fully focused on their next mission.
“We are mentally prepared and have shifted from the disappointment of relegation to the high of the President Federation Cup final by focusing on the potential silver lining..,” he told Footballrover exclusively.
He highlights that their cup journey has been nothing short of magical—beating top-tier teams and defying all odds.
More importantly, the coach believes that coming out victorious in the President FA Cup final would not only heal the wounds of relegation but also seal their place in Nigerian football history.
“Our team unity is second to none… grit, belief, unity and determination. The team is fully focused on the final against Kwara United, knowing a win would compensate for their disappointing league campaign,” he said
“No matter who” – the mantra behind Abakaliki FC’s cup run
Coach Starplus doesn’t shy away from the underdog label ahead of their clash with Kwara United but will stick to his usual plan.
“Approach never changes; just like our first game, everything still goes down to preparation…”
With what he calls the High Performance Mindset (HPM), the Abakaliki FC coach believes his side can shock the nation.
“…no matter what, no matter who… we go again and again… and again.”
And when asked if the relegation heartbreak would impact the team’s spirit heading into the final, his answer was simple and defiant:
“Not at all.”
This confidence also echoed across the entire squad. With a young but fiery team spirit, Starplus made his message bold and clear to Kwara United:
“We are born ready.”
But then, whether or not they lift the trophy on Saturday, Abakaliki FC have already written one of the most inspiring football stories of the year.
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