Can COD United Win Lagos FA Cup?

City of David United, COD, face a herculean task when they face defending champions, First Bank Football Club of Lagos in this year’s Lagos State FA Cup.

The state FA Cup will hold on Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

To reach the final, COD defeated Eleven Strikers 5-4 via penalty shootout after a goal apiece at regulation time, while First Bank beat Bolowotan Football Club of Ikorodu 1-0 to book a place in the final.

First Bank will also face a difficult task to retaining the title won last year because the performance of COD in the National Amateur 1 League and Lagos FA Cup has been quite impressive. The COD are in the second position on the table before the league went on break.

First Bank also stand the chance of retaining the title because they have experienced players who can cause havoc in the final.

Speaking ahead of the crucial final, COD Coach, Rolanson Odeh said the spirit of the team is high and the players are ready to give their opponents a run for their money. He boasted that there is no hiding place for First Bank to hide come Saturday,  promising that his team are ready to take their opponents to the cleaners.

“There is time for everything and I believe that our time has come to win the Lagos FA Cup because we are good for the trophy. We have come a long way in this competition and it will be sad if we fail to deliver the trophy on Saturday. My players have played tougher matches on their way to the final and I am happy that the club’s management are solidly behind us. It is time to justify the confidence reposed in us by defeating First Bank,” he boasted.

Shola Aiyepekun, a board member of COD United, confirmed that they will mobilize six thousand supporters to cheer the team to victory on Saturday.

“Teslim Balogun Stadium will witness a large crowd because Lagos football fans will come and support COD United. I pray that God gives us that day,” he said.

Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola and Lagos Sports Commissioner, Ademola Adeniji Adele and other sports administrators would witness the final.

—Sunday Akintoye