Federation Cup: Saviour saves Enyimba

Enyimba’s midfielder, Fidelis Saviour, on Sunday put the icing on the cake for the Aba Millionaire as they defeated hard fighting Warri Wolves 5-4 on penalties after the regulation time ended two goals apiece in the Federation Cup final at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos State.
Elephants’ Sibi Gwar had a clear chance inside the 18 yard box in the 15th minute, but his left foot strike was not hot enough to worry goalkeeper Okiemute Odah of Wolves.
Wolves started growing into the game and three minutes later had a chance but could make a corner kick from it.
Wolves had a second corner after the first was not successful and Musa Najare was well positioned to head in the opener for the Seasiders in the 25th minute of the game.
The goal increased the tension of the game and Enyimba’s Saka was close to draw level almost immediately.
A one-two play saw Enyimba bring down Oghenekaro Etebo at the edge of the box and he stepped up to fire wide the post.
Enyimba made an early change, taking off an active Saka for Chimezie Amanfor in the 42nd minute as they searched for an equaliser.
After the break, Enyimba appeared more purposeful and were close to scoring but for a reliable goalkeeping.
Etebo, who has performed below expectation, was booked for a rough play.
Just after that, Enyimba had two successive corners but an experienced Odah keep the situation safe.
Enyimba kept the pressure from the beginning of the second half and it paid off in the 61st minute when Bright Esieme had a chance and fired past a lost Odah to equal the score and send their teeming supporters into wild celebration.
Enyimba made a second change, with Fidelis Saviour coming on for Gwar and Wolves responded almost immediately with Anobi Kola taken off for Onamado Goodluck.
Wolves got on the lead again in the 84th minute and it was Osadiaye Joseph who took care of a rebound from Enyimba’s goalkeeper, Femi Thomas.
Two minutes later, Enyimba leveled score again, but this time it was Ugwu Uwadiegwu’s free-kick that caught Odah unawares.
Both sides could not change the score line until the end of regulation time and the winner was to be decided by penalty shootout as Super Eagles defender and Warri Wolves skipper, Azubuike Egwuekwe, failed to convert his spot kick.