Abia FA Chairman Warns Detractors: Conduct Illegal Congress and Face a Five-Year Ban from Football Activities

By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

The Chairman of the Abia Football Association (FA), Rev. Obioma Onyeaghala, has issued a stern warning to individuals allegedly planning to hold an illegal congress on February 20—a date that contradicts the official congress scheduled for May. Onyeaghala cautioned these individuals to reconsider their actions, or risk being banned from all football-related activities for five years.

According to the FA Chairman, a group of individuals is plotting to conduct this unauthorized congress as part of a persistent effort to unseat him from his position. Onyeaghala expressed that this group has been determined in their attempts to remove him from his leadership role in the Abia FA.

He made it clear that their attempts would not succeed, assuring the group that he would remain the Chairman of Abia FA until the completion of his term in May 2027.

Onyeaghala further stated, “Anyone with aspirations to become the FA Chairman should wait until my tenure ends in May 2027. The unfortunate reality for these detractors is that I am eligible to contest again.”

In a letter addressed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Rev. Onyeaghala appealed to the federation to disregard any communication claiming an official congress by the Abia FA. He identified the plot as being spearheaded by suspended members, including one Okechi Ubani.

The FA Chairman also revealed that his life has been under serious threat due to the actions of these individuals. He assured, however, that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that any perpetrators would face justice should anything untoward happen to him.