President Federation Cup Final: Legendary Ifeanyi Onyedika eyes another historic triumph with Abakaliki FC
As Abakaliki FC prepares for the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup, attention turns to the mastermind behind their Cinderella run—head coach Ifeanyi Onyedika. For many, the Ebonyi State club’s unlikely rise has been nothing short of miraculous. For Onyedika, it’s simply the continuation of a legacy built over four decades.
A former Nigeria international and key member of the historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, Onyedika’s résumé is steeped in silverware. His club-level success began with Enugu Rangers, where he helped exact revenge in the 1981 Federation Cup final against Bendel Insurance—scoring a crucial goal in a 2-0 victory at the National Stadium in Surulere.
Two years later, he was part of the Rangers’ squad that clinched the national title after a penalty shootout win over DIC Bees of Kaduna at the same venue.
Fast-forward 23 years, and Onyedika transitioned from pitch to dugout with remarkable continuity. As head coach, he guided Dolphin FC to a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Bendel Insurance in the 2004 Cup final in Abeokuta. He repeated the feat in 2005, this time masterminding a win against his former club Rangers at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
Now, at the helm of the unheralded Abakaliki FC, Onyedika has orchestrated a giant-killing run—dismissing heavyweights like Katsina United, Enyimba FC, Nasarawa United, and Ikorodu City.
With another final looming, fans are wondering: will the veteran tactician weave his Cup magic once more? All eyes are on Saturday’s showdown.
