Two all-Premier League clashes headline the Round of 32 matches of this year’s men’s Federation Cup competition, which come up…
Browsing: Federation Cup
The play-off round brings together the rookie teams among those that reached the finals in the states
“We have outlined a programme for the 2015 Men and Women Federation Cup competitions and we don’t want anything to derail us. All the final matches of the State competitions must be held either on Saturday, April 4 or Sunday, April 5,” Ruth David, Head of NFF Federation Cup Unit informed
At the draws conducted at the Kogi State FA office, three of nine participating teams – National League side Kogi United, NationWide League sides FC Lokoja and Ankpa Leopards – were drawn bye in the preliminary stages of the competition
For Dolphins, their season will now be regarded as a relative disappointment after failing to add a trophy to their rich cabinet
Win or lose, Dolphins will pick the second CAF Confederation Cup ticket as Enyimba finished second behind Kano Pillars in the league and will play in the 2015 CAF Champions League.
Both games in Abeokuta and Abuja produced red cards, with Prime FC losing Abdullah Fatai, while Giwa’s Ifeanyi Anaemena also got the marching order for dangerous play against their opponents
Although there was a desire to ensure both semi final matches are played at the same venue for reason of close monitoring and the probability of Supersport television broadcasting both games live, officials have now decided to move one of the matches to ensure equidistance for both competing sides
Giwa FC of Jos sailed into their first-ever Federation Cup last four courtesy a hard-earned 5-4 penalty shootout win over Crown FC of Ogbomosho in Nnewi, Prime FC of Oshogbo sends their Gateway FC counterparts packing on 4-3 penalties after the regulation time ended barren
First Bank came into the game stronger after conceding the first goal, with the fireworks in front of goal curtailed by the impressive Prime defence line and goalkeeper, Adejare Adeniyi, to end the first half a goal in favour of Prime
All the other seven matches in the Round of 16 were being played as at press time on Thursday.
Aloy Chukwuemeka, the Acting Secretary of the club owners’ representatives, said the decision was to enable the premier league clubs conclude their ongoing federation cup matches
The 2012 Federation Cup giants killers safehand, Adejare Adeniyi, was Prime’s hero yet again, saving two Wolves spot kicks for Prime to qualify for the Federation Cup round of 16
Kwara United FC and Sharks of Port Harcourt clash in Benin City, Dynamite FC of Benin City and Rancher Bees of Kaduna meet in Lokoja and Akwa United must overcome FC Abuja in Enugu
He said “I am aware of the quality of the four teams on display.
“They are strong and capable and will treat everyone to a memorable afternoon
Sunday’s showpiece at the venue incidentally named after one of the true legends of the Cup, will kick off at 1.30pm with the Women’s Final between Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt and Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia
While the People’s Elephant is on top of the table, Lobi is last after 26 matches.
Analysts are wont to give the match to the People’s Elephant but football, they say, is not mathematics where one plus one will always be two
“Going into that game against NAF Rockets, we will urge the boys to keep their focus and composure because that is one way we can guard against these lower division clubs who always do a lot of running