Abakaliki FC have officially confirmed their return to the Nigeria National League (NNL) ahead of the 2025/26 season— and the gist is, they didn’t do it the usual way.

According to the club’s media officer, Chukwuma Ogbonna-Torchlight, the Ebonyi-based side secured a promotion slot from Hammola FC, which gives them the green light to play in Nigeria’s second-tier football division next season.

“Abakaliki FC’s NNL status has just been confirmed for the 2025–26 season,” Ogbonna-Torchlight told DAILY POST.

Omo, this is going to hot! Especially considering that Abakaliki FC were relegated to the Nationwide League One (NLO) just last season.

But if you followed their story, you’d know they made serious headlines earlier this year — especially during their fairytale run in the 2025 President Federation Cup, where they made it all the way to the final.

They eventually lost 4-3 on penalties to NPFL side Kwara United, but the performance was enough to put the club on the map and earn them massive respect from fans across the country.

Now, with their return to the NNL confirmed, all eyes will be on the Rice Boys to see if they can truly cement themselves as a rising force in Nigerian football.