In a bold and controversial move, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Prince Richard Idike, has defended the decision to slash the salaries of Abakaliki FC players by half, describing it as a calculated effort to jolt the struggling club back to life.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, Idike insisted the measure was not intended as punishment but rather as a motivational tool to reignite the team’s fighting spirit. “If you’re being paid to win, then losing must come with consequences,” he declared, responding to back-to-back defeats to Sporting Lagos that have left Abakaliki FC teetering on the brink of relegation.
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“Not a Punishment, But a Wake-Up Call”
Idike was quick to dismiss criticism of the salary cuts, pointing out that Ebonyi State remains one of the most generous paymasters in the league, with consistent salaries, bonuses, and performance incentives. “We’re not withholding the money permanently,” he emphasized. “If the team wins, the full salaries will be restored. But we cannot keep rewarding failure.”
Indeed, the Commissioner revealed that significant financial incentives have been dangled in front of the players. For instance, ₦3 million was offered for a win against Nasarawa, ₦2 million for a victory over Katsina, and ₦5 million for other crucial games. Idike even pledged ₦500,000 from his personal funds to spur the team on in their next fixture.
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The Clock is Ticking for Abakaliki FC
With the final two matches against Madiba FC and ABS FC looming large, the stakes have never been higher for the club. Currently rooted to the bottom of the Southern Conference B table in 11th place with just 17 points, Abakaliki FC’s path to survival is a narrow one. They must not only secure victories in these upcoming matches but also hope for favorable results elsewhere — an uphill task by any measure.
Idike didn’t mince words about the urgency of the situation. “If we don’t win these next two games, relegation is almost certain. From the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the Nationwide League One (NLO), the road back up is long and brutal.”
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Facing Harsh Realities
Despite the backlash, the Commissioner remained resolute. “Even clubs abroad cut wages and suspend coaches when the team underperforms,” he said. “This is football. What matters now is that the players fight for their place and take responsibility for their future.”
While the salary cuts may have come too late to save Abakaliki FC, it’s a last-ditch effort to stave off what many already fear is inevitable: the drop into the Nationwide League One. The club’s earlier run to the finals of the President Federation Cup may have been a bright spot in an otherwise grim campaign, but it has done little to help their league form.
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The Road Ahead
Abakaliki FC’s fate is now in their own hands — or rather, their boots. With crucial games ahead and a Commissioner demanding accountability, they must prove their worth and show they can rise to the occasion. Because in the end, as Idike put it, “We’ve played our part — salaries paid, bonuses given. Now, it’s time for results.”
Picture Credit: Abakaliki FC Facebook Page
