Fed Cup: 3SC, Others Crash

Just like in the English Premier League where bigger teams find it difficult to make headway in the FA and Carling Cup, shocking upsets were recordded in the ongoing Nigeria’s Federation Cup, as highly rated clubs made early exits.

The giant killers were on the prowl as Ibadan warlords, Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC, joined a list of top flight clubs kicked out of this year’s Federation Cup. They were sent packing by a lower side club, Akwa United, in a game that ended 4-2 on penalties.

Warri Wolves met their waterloo in the country’s club tournament when they were shocked by a Division 1 side, NAF Rock in a 3-2 encounter.

Lobi Stars of Makurdi were upset by Lagos State grassroots side, Handsworth in a lone goal tie. A report from Makurdi says Tunde Taiwo’s goal in the 42th minute was all Handsworth needed to book a place in the next round of the Federation Cup.

The match, which was played at the Lokoja Township Stadium, saw both teams giving good account of themselves, but the better side carried the day..

Handsworth were applauded by the fans following their determination to eliminate a Premier League club from the Federation Cup.

Speaking with P.M.Sports on telephone, Handsworth’s Team Manager, Tajudeen Olasunkanmi expressed gratitude to God for the victory. He commended Lokoja fans for their support after his team scored the lone goal before the half time.

“I’m so glad that we created an upset in the ongoing Federation Cup. Our opponents underrated us and we shocked them,” he said.

Handsworth’s Chief Coach, Onakarhie Godwin, said his players won the encounter because they were determined, adding that the victory over Lobi Stars will give them the confidence to go far in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Dolphin, Ocean Boys, Kano Pillars and Gombe United have advanced to the round of 32 of the Federation Cup.

Kaduna United are the cup holders after they upset Enyimba in last year’s final in Kano.