As the President Federation Cup Final draws closer, Abakaliki FC captain Cyril Timothy Ukwuoma isn’t shying away from the spotlight.

With the clash against Kwara United set for Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, he believes their mindset — what he calls the HPM format — will be the key to making history, Footballrover reports.

Abakaliki FC vs Kwara United: From setback to showdown

Just weeks after the club’s painful relegation from the Nigeria National League, Abakaliki FC are now one win away from a national title and a ticket to continental football.

For Ukwuoma and his team, this isn’t just a cup final — it’s a redemption story.

“I will assure you here and now that the team is well prepared to face the finals… Mentally and physically we’re good to go,” he told Footballrover in an exclusive interview.

“We as a family and as a football team, we don’t have the mindset of losing any match in this FA Cup… We use HPM format. High performance mindset in all we do, both in training, in camp and in match situations,” he added.

Facing a top-flight side like Kwara United, many see Abakaliki as the underdogs. But the skipper insists the dressing room tells a different story.

“There’s nothing like that here; we’re using the word ‘Get out’ each time we lose a game… We go again and again and again.

So, we are very much prepared for total victory and nothing but victory.”

President Federation Cup final: Victory is the only option

The Abakaliki FC vs Kwara United final won’t just test physical strength but mental resolve.

According to Ukwuoma, their coaching crew deserves major credit.

“They’re doing a great job for us by the grace of God almighty. The team spirit is pretty high,” he said.

Despite the odds, Abakaliki FC has treated every FA Cup game like a final.

“We’re approaching the match with all that we have. Every match in this FA Cup is a final for us, from the start. We’re ball ready at 100%. Fully prepared, mentally prepared, and physically prepared,” the Abakaliki skipper concluded.

With the final just around the corner, fans will be watching to see if this story ends in tears or victory. But one thing is clear: Abakaliki FC didn’t come this far to stop now.

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Last Updated on June 26, 2025 11:38 am by Sir Kris