Who Wins Fed Cup? Enyimba, Heartland Tango In Lagos

Football pundits across the nation and in the diaspora are eagerly looking forward to Sunday to see who emerges winner of this year’s Federation Cup, the oldest competition in the country, as the stage is set for the grand finale between two oriental brothers, Enyimba International of Aba and Heartland FC of Owerri.

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, announced yesterday that the grand finale would be spectacular following the calibre and profile of the two clubs, especially when one considers the fact that the two teams are from the same zone.

The qualification of Heartland and Enyimba for the final has ensured that the tradition of the Federation Cup (formerly called Governor’s Cup, Challenge Cup and Coca-Cola FA Cup) remains unchanged.

While Enyimba FC defeated Ocean Boys to qualify for the final, Heartland FC overpowered Bayelsa United in the semi final match to set the stage for the oriental brothers’ clash.

Enyimba also got to last year’s final before they were defeated by the eventual winners, Kaduna United, who could not go far at this year’s edition.

Speaking on the significance of the match, Chief Coach of Enyimba, Okey Emordi said: “We cannot afford to lose again at the final after bowing to Kaduna United at the same stage last year. My players know what is at stake and we are ready to give it all it takes to win the trophy.”

Also reflecting on his team’s chances of winning the trophy, technical adviser of Heartland F.C, Lodewijk de Kruif said that they are well prepared and motivated to win the trophy.

The final match has been fixed for 4pm at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, southwest, Nigeria.

P.M.Sports gathered that the Lagos State government has agreed to foot the bill of the final, which is expected to attract thousands of football fans within Lagos, its environs and from the East to cheer their darling teams to victory.

Preceding the final match is another local derby between Ocean Boys F.C and Bayelsa United F.C, both from Bayelsa State. The two teams will slug it out in the third place match. Also a novelty match between NFF and NPL will be played to serve as the curtain raiser.

—Bamidele Olowosagba