Dr. Obioma Onyeaghala, Chairman of the Abia State Football Association (FA), was impeached on Thursday during the association’s 2025 extraordinary congress held at its secretariat in Umuahia.
His removal followed a motion by Mr. Johnson Nwosu, Chairman of Abia Angels FC, seconded by Onyukwu Onyeke, Secretary of Enyimba FC.
Onyeaghala was accused of:
Abuse of office
Disrespect for authorities
Financial mismanagement
Poor administration
Neglect of association assets
Strained relationships with stakeholders
Reacting swiftly, Onyeaghala, who assumed office in May 2023, dismissed his impeachment as illegitimate, insisting he remains the rightful chairman until his term ends in May 2027.
“It’s laughable. Who were the congress members? No FA member was present—only people from the Sports Council, the Ministry of Sports, and a few individuals who dislike me,” he argued.
He further claimed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had ordered the group to halt their actions, warning that both NFF and FIFA disapprove of government interference in football affairs.
“I was elected by congress, and only congress can remove me. My tenure runs until May 5, 2027, and I will seek re-election,” he asserted.
Football Stakeholders Back Impeachment
Vice Chairman of the association, Okechi Ubani, stated that Onyeaghala repeatedly ignored invitations to address the allegations, adding that his leadership was hindering football development in Abia State.
Former Commissioner for Sports and ex-FA Chairman, Dr. Patrick Chimezie Mba, criticized Onyeaghala’s conduct, labeling it an obstacle to progress. He recommended his immediate suspension and the formation of an investigative committee.
Similarly, former Director of Sports, Ejikeme Ikwunze, known as “Mr. Football,” expressed shock over the allegations, particularly Onyeaghala’s refusal to honor invitations from the Commissioner for Sports.
“He cannot destroy what others have built over the years,” Ikwunze stated, calling for strict measures against him.
The Commissioner for Sports, Nwobilor Ananaba, represented by Permanent Secretary Cyril Nwigwe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with the FA to develop football in the state.
Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, criticized Onyeaghala’s tenure, calling it the worst in the association’s history and stressing the need for urgent reforms.
Broad Support for Onyeaghala’s Removal
Various football stakeholders condemned Onyeaghala’s leadership and backed his impeachment, including:
Igwe Madubuike, Secretary of the Coaches Association
Bethel Orji, Chairman of the Players Union and former Super Eagles player
Elder Maltador Obinta, Chairman of the Referees Association
Mrs. Edith Nwakire, Nigeria’s first female FIFA Match Commissioner
Despite widespread opposition, Onyeaghala remains defiant, labeling the impeachment illegal and orchestrated by impostors.
“These people were previously suspended. They have no authority to remove me,” he declared.
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