By Francis Ajuonuma
It was the best of Nigerian Football on display on Saturday 29th of June in the President Federation Cup men’s final as El-Kanemi Warriors stunned Abia Warriors 2-0.
El-Kanemi Warriors totally outplayed the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side to the surprise of many fans, who had stormed the famous Onikan Stadium, now Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos to watch the game.
The outcome of the game did not reflect the actually performance of El-Kanemi Warriors, who dominated the entire period of the game with positional and neat distribution of the ball that forced the scanty fans at the stadium rooting for more.
The Borno-based side wasted several opportunities.that would have seen them end the first half by at least 3-0 with Nasiru Salihu wearing number 10 jersey the most culprit. The midfielder failed to convert a well deserved penalty in the 14th minute.
Salihu’s hard work will however pay off in the 31st minute after connecting a nice cross from the left wing that found the back of the net, leaving goalkeeper prowling to the ground.to put El-Kanemi in front..
The Abia-based side were too poor and ordinary, lacking cohension in the encounter and on several occassion gave away the ball to their more enterprising opponents as the first 45 minutes ended 1-0.
The second half was not different from the first half as the newly promoted NPFL side continued with their dominance and beautiful football and in 68th minute Salihu added the second to make it a brace.
With this victory El-Kanemi Warriors have made it three President Federation Cup in history, having won it back to back in 1991 and 1992.
Reacting to his team’s impressive performance, El-Kanemi Technical Adviser, Kabiru Zubairu attributed their victory to hard work and the burning hunger among his young players to archieve success.
“I’m happy we won the trophy after 32 years but the victory didn’t come easy. It was several months of hardwork and determination from these young players. These players were driven by the past success of El-Kanemi in 1991 and 1992, when they lifted the title back to back,” an excited said.
Abia Warriors coach, Bethel Orji blame fatique and we’re overwhelmed playing in the FA Cup for the first time.
“It was a good game. We played against very good side but couldn’t withstand them. We were very poor in the first half and paid dearly for it. The second half we improve but it was late. I think fatique also played a part in our defeat,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the women’s final, Rivers Angel defeated Ratel of Abuja 1-0 to emerge champions.
They received N25m for their effort, while Ratels got N10m.
For winning the men’s El- Kanemi Warriors went home with N50m, while Abia Warriors got N20m.
