Abakaliki FC head coach, Ifeanyi Onyedika, has pointed to the poor playing surface at their home ground as the primary reason for the team's disappointing performance in the Nigeria National League (NNL) this season.

The Rice Boys, who currently occupy the bottom position in the NNL Group B table with just 14 points from 15 matches, have struggled to convert their home advantage into consistent victories. Their home record stands at three wins, four draws, and one defeat at the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium in Abakaliki.

Speaking to Completesports after their recent 3-2 home defeat to Sporting Lagos, Onyedika expressed his frustration with the team's position in the league standings.

"Our position in the NNL table is not giving us any joy at all, more so after our 3-2 defeat at home last weekend by Sporting Lagos," Onyedika lamented. "That loss has pushed us down to the bottom of the table with just four matches left in the season."

The coach specifically highlighted the condition of their home pitch as a significant hindrance to the team's playing style. "Sometimes, you look at the surface of our home ground, Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium, Abakaliki — it just doesn't allow the boys the freedom of expression on the pitch," he explained.

Onyedika noted that his team performs better when playing on better-quality surfaces. "We do far better on a smooth pitch — you can attest to that, having seen us play in Awka and at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba," he added.

Despite their league struggles, Abakaliki FC still has a chance for silverware this season as they prepare to face Ikorodu City in the President Federation Cup semi-final next Wednesday. The cup competition could provide some consolation for the team as they battle against relegation in their remaining four league fixtures.

With time running out in the season, Abakaliki FC will need to find solutions quickly if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone and secure their place in the NNL for next season.