NFF Commends Lagos on Federation Cup Plans

The Nigeria Football Federation has applauded the plans by Lagos State Government to make this year’s Federation Cup grand finale a tremendous show of glamour.

Speaking in Abuja, Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Emeka Inyama noted that the several plans by the Lagos State Government, including getting students to fill up a large potion of the Teslim Balogun Stadium and honouring of some past heroes of the Cup come on the back of the procurement of a new giant, all-silver trophy by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.

“We have to commend the efforts being made by Lagos State Government to truly bring back the glory and glamour of the Federation Cup. The NFF is enamoured by these noble steps.

“Surely, steps and moves like these, and some other initiatives of the NFF itself, will eventually see the Federation Cup regaining its glory and glamour,” stated Inyama.

 Lobi Stars of Makurdi will challenge Cup holders Heartland FC of Owerri for the title on Sunday, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos after both teams came out successful in Wednesday’s semi final matches.

The Naze Millionaires, winners in 1988 and 2011, overcame Prime FC of Oshogbo 3-0 after penalty shoot-out following a scoreless encounter at the Ilorin Township Stadium. Lobi Stars, also challenging strongly for the Nigeria Premier League title, stunned Kano Pillars 5-4, also after penalty shoot-out, at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Also, a total of 14 individuals who have excelled in the Federation Cup, since it started as Governor’s Cup in 1945 and all through the period it bore the name FA Cup and Challenge, will be given special recognition and honoured at Sunday’s grand finale.

 The list includes two persons who will be honoured post-humously – Teslim ‘Thunder’ Balogun and Haruna Ilerika. Others are Coaches Alabi Aisien and Amodu Shaibu and veteran journalist Fabio Lanipekun, who turned 70 a couple of months ago.

 The nine living legends who will be honoured are former Bendel Insurance and Green Eagles’ skipper Victor Oduah, former Mighty Jets and Eagles’ defensive midfielder Ismaila Mabo, former Enugu Rangers’ leader and 1980 African Nations Cup winning Captain Christian Chukwu, former Rangers and Green Eagles’ goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala, former Shooting Stars and Green Eagles’ striker Olusegun Odegbami, former Lagos ECN, Stationery Stores and National Team star Muyiwa Oshode, Sani Mohammed and former BCC Lions and Super Eagles’ defensive midfielder Moses Kpakor.