By CHARLES IWUOHA

Abakaliki FC Chairman, Senator Obinna Ogba, has suspended Head Coach Ifeanyi Onyedika indefinitely after the team’s 1-1 draw with Calabar Rovers, citing a string of unimpressive performances.

Ogba said he had lost patience with the coach’s tactics and motivational methods. The club’s assistant coach, Starplus Anista, has been appointed interim head coach with immediate effect.

The chairman noted that the squad had been in training for more than three months yet continued to underperform, including failing to progress from a preparatory tournament in Shagamu. He warned that the management will no longer tolerate underperformance and expects a marked improvement.

Richard Idike, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, endorsed the decision and said the State Governor, Rt Hon Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has rolled out support aimed at improving the team’s prospects this season.

Anista, who described Onyedika as a father figure, pledged continuity of purpose and a fresh approach. He said the club’s objective of securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League remains unchanged and that he will work to deliver results. “Ebonyi State fans should expect the boys to rise and fight for results,” he added.

The management has urged supporters to be patient while the interim coaching team implements its programme and presses for immediate improvement.