Julius Okorie
Abia Warriors and El-kanemi Warriors are set to fight to the finish in the Federation Cup final, with CAF Confederation Cup ticket at stake.
The two clubs will lock horns at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena this Saturday.
El-kanemi Warriors have an edge having won the title back to back in 1991 and 1992, but ambitious Abia Warriors are not bothered by their underdogs tag going into the encounter.
Coach of Abia Warriors Bethel Orji is optimistic his team will rise to the occasion, insisting that the team has been motivated to go for the kill.
“We’re here, highly motivated, and absolutely elated,” Orji told thenff.com. “I’m grateful for the team’s turnaround and excited to be playing in my first Cup final as a coach.”
Orji, a former player and Cup winner himself, is placing his trust in the attacking prowess of forwards Samson Obi and Sunday Megwo to take down the two-time champions.
“We’re prepared in every way physically, mentally, and psychologically. The players are in high spirits and roaring to go,” he added.
The Cup final appearance comes on the heels of Abia Warriors securing their spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League for a remarkable 12th consecutive season. El-kanemi are seeking their third title after clinching the last one 32 years ago when the beat defunct Stationery Stores by a lone goal.
Tested Warriors:
Technical Adviser of the Maiduguri based side Aliyu Zubairu believes this same work ethic will propel them to claim their third Nigeria Cup title on Saturday.
“Hard work has been our cornerstone,” Zubairu emphasized. “Everyone contributes, both on and off the pitch. The league season was challenging, and our initial goal was promotion back to the NPFL. But after the Round of 16, we realised that with continued effort, we could reach the final.”
He commended his players for achieving both promotion and a Cup final berth.
“The job’s not done yet,” Zubairu cautioned. “We’re here to win the title. We’ve had time to rest and will work tirelessly to deliver the trophy to our biggest supporter, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.”
Founded in the late 1980s El-Kanemi Warriors boast a rich cup history.
READ ALSO El-kanemi Warriors, Ikorodu City, Two Others Gain Promotion
They secured their first Nigeria Cup win in 1991, defeating Kano Pillars in an all-northern final. They successfully defended their title the following year, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
This upcoming match promises an exciting encounter between a hungry Abia Warriors team and the battle-tested El-Kanemi Warriors.
Analysts have predicted an explosive clash in Lagos as whoever will be crowned the 2024 President Federation Cup champions will also get a ticket to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Women At War:
Meanwhile it will be interesting to see how Naija Ratels FC of Abuja will survive the battle against eight-time Champions and veterans Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt in the women’s Federation Cup final billed for the same venue.
Bayelsa Queens are reigning champions of the Women Federation Cup while four-time champions Bendel Insurance are reigning Champions of the Men’s Federation Cup.
The Benin Arsenals interestingly defeated current league Champions Rangers international last year to emerge winners.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
