By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Jan. 4, 2026
In a decisive move signaling confidence in a new direction, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has officially confirmed Starplus Anista as the substantive Chief Coach of Abakaliki FC. This appointment follows a highly successful interim period where Anista, known colloquially as the ‘City Gaffer,’ revitalized the team’s fortunes.
The confirmation was formally announced in a statement released by the club’s Chairman, Senator Obinna Ogba, a former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The statement highlighted that Governor Nwifuru’s decision was a direct result of being “impressed with Anista’s performance since he took over the club.”
A Meteoric Interim Tenure
Anista’s impact has been both immediate and statistically profound. Since assuming the interim role, he has engineered a remarkable turnaround in form:
- Three consecutive home wins, solidifying the team’s fortress at home.
- Two resilient away draws, demonstrating improved tactical discipline on the road.
- A single away loss, marking a stark improvement in consistency.
This impressive run of results—accumulating 11 points from a possible 18—has catapulted Abakaliki FC to the summit of the Nigeria National League (NNL) table after six matches. This position is crucial, as the NNL serves as the second tier of Nigerian football and the primary pathway to the coveted Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Strategic Support and a Clear Mandate
Governor Nwifuru’s endorsement came with strategic guidance and a clear mandate for promotion. Recognizing the pressures of a promotion charge, the governor specifically charged Anista “to acquire the services of experienced coaches as assistants.” This move is a savvy piece of management, aiming to bolster the technical crew with seasoned minds to support the relatively young head coach, thereby combining fresh ideas with veteran savvy.
Furthermore, the state government has “promised to provide all the necessary support to the club to finish the season on a high note.” This typically implies ensuring financial stability, facilitating player recruitment, and providing adequate training facilities—key ingredients often missing for lower-league clubs in Nigeria.
Context: A Club in Transition
Anista’s confirmation marks a new chapter for a club that has shown ambition. He replaced Ifeanyi Onyedika, who was suspended following a disappointing 1-1 draw in the team’s first NNL home match of the season.
It’s noteworthy that under Onyedika’s tutelage, Abakaliki FC had already signaled its potential by finishing as runners-up in the prestigious 2025 President’s Federation Cup—a major national knockout tournament—during what was the club’s debut season on the national stage. This context makes Anista’s task clear: to build on that cup success and translate it into the week-in, week-out consistency required for league promotion.
The appointment represents more than just a coaching change; it is a statement of intent from the Ebonyi State government. By backing a coach who has delivered immediate results and pairing him with a directive to build a robust technical team, the administration is laying a structured foundation for Abakaliki FC’s ascent in Nigerian football. All eyes will now be on the ‘City Gaffer’ to see if he can maintain the team’s blistering start and secure a historic promotion to the top flight.
(Source: NAN News)
