FA Cup Final: We Will Win – Says Sen. Ogba
Senator Obinna Ogba
By Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
The manager of Abakaliki Football Club, Senator Obinna Ogba, has assured supporters and fans of the team’s readiness to clinch victory in the final of the prestigious President Federation Cup, scheduled to be played tomorrow.
The tactical side, Abakaliki FC—nicknamed the “Rice Boys” will face the experienced Kwara United FC in what promises to be a thrilling final match in Lagos.
Sen. Ogba, who previously served as Chairman of the Senate Sports Committee, made this known in an interview with Salient Times on Friday.
According to him, “The match will be a do-or-die affair, but we are confident of victory in the end.
“This is because we’ve defeated top and experienced clubs like Enyimba FC of Aba, Katsina United, Nasarawa United, and most recently Ikorodu City FC to reach the final.
“And we are just seven months old in the national league. This is because we have a clear target.
“That target is to play in continental competitions and set a new record in Nigerian football—we’ve already begun making our mark.
“So, we’ll face Kwara United FC with courage, aiming to lift the trophy for the first time in the history of the Nigerian football calendar.
“Again, our target is to compete at the continental level. That is the assurance we are giving to our supporters and fans.
“They should not panic we are prepared to bring home the first major football glory to Abakaliki. Let them come out in large numbers to cheer us to victory,” he said.
Abakaliki FC, popularly known as the “Rice Boys,” is barely seven months old in the national league.
Salient Times gathered that this is the first time in the history of Nigerian football that a club just seven months old will play in the final of the President Federation Cup.
The Rice Boys reached the final after a hard-fought semi-final against Ikorodu City FC, which ended goalless after 90 minutes and was decided by a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Pascal Elochukwu played a crucial role in the team’s advancement, making several key saves during penalty shootouts throughout the tournament.
As the final approaches, all eyes will be on Elochukwu hailed by many fans as the “saviour keeper” alongside other key players, as supporters hope to see the young club lift the coveted trophy.
