Abia State sports commissioner visits Abia Comets, pledges cash reward

By Emmanuel Chinedu

In a bid to boost the morale and confidence of Abia Comets players, Abia State Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, has paid an unscheduled visit to the club.

The commissioner, during the visit to the team’s training ground at Holy Ghost College, Olokoro, on Tuesday, explained that the visit is to identify and ascertain the challenges confronting the team in the ongoing 2025/26 Nigeria National League season.

Nwaobilor, who expressed disappointment with the current position of the club on the league standings, urged the management, coaches and players to intensify efforts towards ending the campaign on a good note.

He said, “The Abia State government under the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti is committed to the growth and development of sports. Abia Comets is not left out of his plans, as well as others.

“As a government, we remain committed to ensuring the success of state-owned teams for effective representation across all cadres in not just football but sports in general. That’s why we are fully committed to providing the necessary support for optimal service delivery.

“The message of the Governor is simple: That Abia Comets should rise up to the occasion and compete for honours starting with your next home and away matches. I want to reassure you that your welfare remains our topmost priority.”

Responding, Chairman of the club, Chief Boniface Alozie, represented by the club’s Administrative Secretary, Mr Hyacinth Ezindu, commended the commissioner for visiting the club at this difficult time.

He pledged that the team will do everything possible to return to winning ways, starting off with the game against Gateway FC this Saturday at the Elephant Park in Aba.

Speaking on behalf of the players, skipper of the side, Kingsley Ogoke, lauded the commissioner for the prompt visit and expressed their grievances over poor remuneration and unattended welfare packages.

He reassured the commissioner and the state government of their resolve to defend the club’s badge by amassing the maximum points in the remaining matches of the ongoing league season. 

The commissioner, who listened with rapt attention to their pleas, promised to reward the team with N500,000 for a home win and N1million for an away aimed at motivating them to fight doggedly towards beating the drop at the end of the campaign.

Abia Comets, who occupy the 9th position in the relegation zone, will take on Gateway FC in a must-win Southern Conference A matchday 14 encounter at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, this Saturday, March 14, 2026.