A former Nigeria international striker, Onyedika was part of the iconic Green Eagles squad that won Nigeria’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980. But his legacy goes far beyond his days with the national team.
In 1981, he was pivotal as Enugu Rangers exacted revenge on Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria FA Cup final, a rematch of the 1978 edition where Insurance triumphed 3-0. At the National Stadium in Surulere, Rangers responded with a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Emmanuel Osigwe and Onyedika himself.
Onyedika added another winner’s medal two years later, when Enugu Rangers edged DIC Bees of Kaduna on penalties (5-4) after a goalless draw, once again at the National Stadium.
Decades later, he continued his Cup dominance from the touchline. In 2004, he led Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt to a thrilling 5-3 penalty shootout win over Bendel Insurance after a 2-2 draw at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. He repeated the feat the following year, guiding Dolphins past his former club Enugu Rangers 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
Now at the helm of Abakaliki FC, Onyedika has orchestrated one of the most memorable underdog campaigns in recent Nigerian football history. The team has eliminated established clubs including Katsina United, Enyimba FC, Nasarawa United, and Ikorodu City to reach the final.
With a proven track record as both player and coach, fans are eager to see if Onyedika can once again weave his magic and lead Abakaliki FC to an improbable Cup victory over Kwara United on Saturday.
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