Idah United and Federal Medical Centre FC will trade tackles in the Kogi State 2015 Federation Cup final on Saturday.
The soccer-loving residents of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, and surburbs will have to patiently watch through the 90 minutes to find out who emerges the new champion when both non-league sides square up at the Kogi Confluence Stadium, Lokoja.
Speaking ahead of the final, Hassan Wada, the Vice Chairman of the Kogi State Football Association, said this year’s finals will be another entertaining one considering various upsets recorded so far in the competition.
Wada said: “We are prepared for the encounter.
“It’s shaping out to be another unique final, noting the two clubs involved are non-league sides.
“We (FA) are looking forward to seeing a epic encounter with enough upsets already and hope to know the new state champions.”
The Secretary of the State FA, Augustine Ogunmola, who spoke on plans for the finals, said: “Spectators should expect dignitaries and top government officials, including the Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, at the Confluence Stadium to watch the final.
“We anticipate seeing all and sundry to come and watch.”
Interestingly, reigning champions, Kogi United, who crashed out in the semi-final, will not be able to defend the title they won last year defeating bitter city rivals, Lokoja FC, 7-6 in a penalty shootout lottery.
Idah United, who reach the semi-final in 2012 before being edged out in a 1-0 loss to Kogi United, will play in their first ever final after overcoming Koton-Karfe Ambassadors 2-0, walked over Ankpa Leopards and defeated Lokoja FC 3-0 via penalty in preliminary, quarter-final and semi-final stages respectively.
While, FMC, who made this year’s final in their first appearance, hit the final after pushing out Kogi State University 4-3 in the opening round, FC 24 1-0 in the last eight before shockingly ejecting title holders Kogi United in the semis.
Last year’s finalists and long-time rivals – Nigeria National League side Kogi United FC and Nigeria Nation Wide League side Lokoja FC – were dumped out following semi-final defeats to FMC and Idah United respectively.
Both finalists have automatically qualified for this year’s National Federation Cup finals.
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