Enyimba are Federation Cup king

By Taofeek Lawal

Former African champions, Enyimba FC of Aba yesterday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos won the Federation Cup for second year running defeating bitter rivals, Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt by 2 goals to one.  It was a game where Enyimba’s Mfoh Udoh and Emem Eduok of Dolphins were expected to light with goals.  The two strikers however proved their mettle as they both registered a goal each in a game dominated by Dolphin but Enyimba was doing the scoring. After a goalless first half which witnessed a display of football artistry, Udoh, Nigeria’s newest goal king with 23 goals in the just concluded Nigerian league, in the 51st minutes registered Enyimba’s first goal after collecting a pass from Markson Ojobo.  Udoh provided the assist that led to Enyimba’s second goal after he capitalized on a defence error by Dolphin defender, Victor Ezuruike to release Okonkwo Chinonso to chip the ball over Rotimi Sunday in goal for the Port Harcourt side. Eduok reduced the tally for Dolphin when he waltzed through Enyimba defence to register his side only goal of the highly explosive encounter.

Speaking after the game, Coach Kadiri Ikhana of Enyimba while expressing his happiness said he told his boys to win the cup for him and that is what exactly what they did for him. Dolphin’s coach, Stanley Eguma in his own remarks congratulated Enyimba for their feat saying that the Aba-based team utilized the chances that came their way during the match.  It is the first time Dolphin would lose a Federation Cup final after a fifth attempt but the consolation for them is that they will be playing in CAF Confederation Cup competition next season. With the victory, Enyimba have now won the Federation Cup four times in ten years. The Kadiri Ikhana boys return to the CAF Champions League after they emerged as runners-up behind league champions Kano Pillars in the just concluded Nigerian premier league.