Abakaliki FC squares up against Madiba FC in NNL’s season opener

After several months of preparations, the 2024/25 Nigerian National League (NNL) will kick off this weekend with Abakalili FC hosting Madiba FC of Oshodi, Lagos, in the season opener at the 15,000-capacity Pa-Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
 
According to the NNL, the Conference B game will usher in other matches across the country this weekend in the race for promotion to the elite Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).

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 Eight tournament in Enugu last season. 

Madiba FC boasts an experienced coach in Solomon Bala and also retained 80 percent of its 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 senator, Obinna Ogba, as its Chairman, Abakaliki FC said they are out to join the elite of Nigerian football.

Other teams in Conference B include Solution FC of Anambra, Rovers FC of Calabar, First Bank of Lagos, Osun United, Gateway United of Ogun, Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, ABS of Ilorin and Sporting Lagos.