Following the resolution of the confusion that engulfed President Federation Cup finalists, Abakiliki FC of Ebonyi State, some members of the state’s football community have urged Governor Francis Nwifuru to support the team at this crucial period in their campaign for honours.

Specifically, the stakeholders pleaded with the governor to support the players and their coaches financially as they prepare for the first President Federation Cup final in the history of Ebonyi State.

Recently, the management of the team reportedly placed the players and their coaches on half salary following a spate of poor performances in the second Nigerian National League (NNL).

Although the issues have been resolved and the salaries reinstated, the stakeholders said the decision, in the first place, was ill-conceived and may have dented the psyche of the players, who defeated such giants as Katsina United, Enyimba, Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City on their way to the President Federation Cup final.

One of the stakeholders, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian: “This is a critical period in Ebonyi State’s football history and nobody should do anything to derail our path to glory.

“Every Ebonyi man and woman should come together to support Abakiliki FC. There should not be any political consideration in this case because we may not get this opportunity to win the Challenge Cup so close in the near future.

“We, therefore, call on Governor Nwifuru, Senator Pius Anyim and David Umahi, to identify with the team now. With everybody’s support and God with us, Abakiliki FC will make history as Ebonyi State’s first National Challenge Cup champions,” he said.

Abakiliki FC will meet Kwara United in the final of the President Federation Cup when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) decides the venue and date of the game.