Saturday, 14 September 2013

Federation Cup: Can Warri Wolves break jinx at 7th attempt?


Federation Cup: Can Warri Wolves break jinx at 7th attempt?

* To get N1m from Pinnick for each goal
* As Enyimba go for treble

WARRI Wolves will attempt to break the jinx tomorrow (Sunday) when they face two-time champions, Enyimba FC in the final of the 68th edition of the Federation Cup at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Wolves will go down as the first team from Delta State to lift the trophy introduced in 1945 then as Governor's Cup if they succeed in taking Enyimba to the cleaners.
Warri XI had lost in six finals; 1948, 1952, 1955, 1956, 1968 and 1969 thus going for the seventh attempt this time while the Peoples Elephant claimed the title in 2005 and 2009.
Warri Wolves handled by veteran coach Solomon Ogbeide boast John Agbawu, who won the trophy
with Lobi Stars in 2003 in Kaduna in his team as well as Kola Anubi, 2006 winner with  Dolphins to propel other 'wolves' to write their names in gold too on Sunday.
The presence of the Super Eagles defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe is also expected to motivate the
Warri side into making history tomorrow.
Already, Executive chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Amaju Pinnick, who is also the Chairman of Delta FA has promised to reward the glory seeking Wolves with N1 million for every goal scored in Sunday's final.
Ogbeide was unlucky in 2006 when he coached Bendel Insurance who lost 3-5 via penalties to Dolphins at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta after a 2-2 draw at regulation time.
Technical Adviser of Enyimba, Coach Salisu Yusuf won the Federation Cup on two occasions as a
player of El-Kanemi Warriors in 1991 and 1992 after losing in the final in 1987 to the defunct Abiola Babes as a player of Ranchers Bees.
Enyimba it will be recalled also lost in the finals in 2010 and 2011 to Kaduna United and Heartland FC respectively meaning that the title could go either way on Sunday.
In what serves as a curtain raiser before the final, Nasarawa Amazons will battle with defending champions Rivers Angels in the women's Federation Cup final at 2pm.
Lagos State government in keeping to the tradition of appreciating excellence will honour 12 personalities who have contributed in no small way to the growth of soccer in the land.
The award recipients are Paul Hamilton, the late Muda Lawal, Toyin Ayinla, Amusa Shittu, Dominic Iorfa, Joe Erico, Josiah Dombraye, Stanley Eguma, Sebastian Brodericks-Imasuen and veteran television sport broadcaster Walter Oyatogun.
Also to be honoured by governor Babatunde Raji Fashola on Sunday are the late ace radio sports commentator Ernest Okonwko and another renowned radio sport commentator, Ishola Folorunsho.

Caption: Azubuike Egwuekwe of Warri Wolves (top) and Ifeanyi Ede of Enyimba.


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