The Ebonyi government has acquired the Coal City Football Club of Enugu for the forthcoming Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The state Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, made this known on Tuesday during the screening of players for the club at the Pa Ngele Oruta stadium in Abakaliki.

Ebonyi does not have a football club since the erstwhile Ebonyi Angels FC was disbanded in 2007.

Efforts made by successive administrations in the state to float a new club proved abortive.

According to Idike, the acquired Coal City Football Club is now to be known as Abakaliki FC.

“We are currently formalising registration processes with the NNL to compete in the forthcoming season.

“We are expecting the NNL team on inspection of the stadium as the facility will be closed for usage next week.

“We intend to re-grass the stadium’s pitch, among other works, to ensure we secure approval for its usage,” he said.

He noted that the government was negotiating with a reputable coach to tinker the team as Ebonyi football fans would marvel at his pedigree.

“We are also negotiating with the Coal City FC to release 15 of its players to us while we secure players from other sources.

“We would beef the team with talented players across the country to achieve our promotion ambition into the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL),” he said. 

(NAN)