Federation Cup final It’s brotherly war between Enyimba and Heartland
Historically, the present Federation Cup which is the single main elimination tournament in the country started in 1945 as the “Governor’s Cup”, succeeding the War Memorial Challenge Cup that had been limited to teams from Lagos. Thus, it was played as Governor’s Cup from 1945 to 1954 when it was renamed FA Cup. From 1960 […]
Historically, the present Federation Cup which is the single main elimination tournament in the country started in 1945 as the “Governor’s Cup”, succeeding the War Memorial Challenge Cup that had been limited to teams from Lagos. Thus, it was played as Governor’s Cup from 1945 to 1954 when it was renamed FA Cup. From 1960 the tournament became Challenge Cup until 2009 when the Nigeria Football Federation under Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi changed the name from FA Cup to the present Federation Cup.
This year’s final is an interesting fixture because it is pitching together, Enyimba FC and Heartland, two of the leading clubs in the South-East. As successful as the two clubs are, none can boast of winning the trophy a number of times. This makes tomorrow’s encounter a must win for them.
Despite conquering the continent back to back in 2003 and 2004, the people’s elephant, for that is how Enyimba FC of Aba is fondly called by its supporters has succeeded in winning the tournament only twice. In 2005, at the Liberation Stadium Port-Harcourt, Enyimba defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 6-5 on penalities after the match ended 3-3, to lift the trophy. Then in 2009, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, venue of this year’s finals, Enyimba beat Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt 1-0 to win its second Federation Cup. The people’s elephants reached the finals the following year but were overpowered by youthful Kaduna United who defeated them 3-2 on penalities after the match ended 3-3.
On their part, Heartland can boast of winning the trophy only once but that is when the club was known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri. The Naze millionaires as Heartland is called beginning from Iwuanyanwu Nationale, defeated Flash Flamingoes of Benin, 3-0 to win their first Cup. After one year, the club got to the finals again but was beaten 0-1 by the BCC Lions of Gboko. Nine years later, Iwuanyanwu Nationale reached the finals but lost 0-1 to Plateau United, which broke its jinx and that of Mighty Jets, the Plateau State team that reached the finals of the tournament a record ten times without winning any. Heartland FC, the millionaires have not drank from the trophy and this year’s finals is a golden opportunity for them.
Although the rivalry between the two clubs is always intense, Enyimba is clearly ahead of Heartland as far as laurels are concerned. Apart from being two time African champions, Enyimba has won the domestic league more than Heartland. While Heartland, formerly known as Iwuanyanwu National won the league five times, that is 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1993, Enyimba has won the league six times, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2010.
In the current season, Enyimba is doing well in the CAF Champions League but in the domestic league it is not faring any better than Heartland. While Enyimba is 9th on the table, Heartland is on the 10th. Enyimba and Heartland boast of some of the most experienced coaches. Enyimba’s is winner of CAF Champions League with Enyimba in 2004 while Heartland’s Technical consultant, Christian Chukwu is a former winner of the Africa Nations Cup as captain of the then Green Eagles. He was also chief coach of the Super Eagles.
It is going to be ‘war of oriental brothers’. Interestingly, the two sides parade some of the best legs in the domestic league. In recent times, Heartland and Enyimba have been the major providers of local players for the Super Eagles Team B. The team is built around players from the two clubs.
Thus, Enyimba will be storming Lagos in search of its third title with quality players like Eneji Otekpa, Onoja Peter, Okorowanta Bernard, Vincent Nwabili, Tswanya Samuel, Kalu Uche, Sakibu Atanda, Tyavkase, Musa Mustapha, Anyanwu Kenneth and Johnson Chidozie. These are highly experienced players who are currently leading Enyimba’s hunt for a third CAF Champions League trophy.
The Naze millionaires also boast of notable players like Eagles Team B and Beach Eagles star, Bartholomew Ibenegbu, Okonkwo Chibuzor, Olowo Emmanuel, Akpeyi Daniel, Udoh Kingsley, Obaje Joshua, Akpan Bassey and Efugh Chinedu. These are no lightweights as far as Nigerian football is concerned.
Already the stars from both clubs are gearing up for tomorrow’s epic finals at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. Former junior international, Bello Kofar-matar is upbeat ahead of the match. He told Shot! that it will be a very tough match but in the end, the better side will carry the day.
“I know it is not going to be an easy one. We know our secrets and everybody will play with utmost caution. Enyimba are doing very well on the continent but we would not give them too much respect. They want to win but we are equally interested in winning our first Federation Cup”.
However, Enyimba’s most experienced player, David Tyarkase said: “It is going to be a fifty fifty affair. In as much as we have respect for Hearland, we are going to give them a good fight and beat them to win the cup. We are battle ready”.
His team mate Eneji Otekpa, a key member of Eguaveon’s U-23 side said: “Everybody can see that we are doing really well. We are aiming at a treble this season and we have to start with the Federation Cup. We are going to be in Lagos with one thing in mind-the trophy and nothing less than that.
“My position is not an attempt to undermine the ability of Heartland because we know what they are capable of doing. They also boast of highly experienced players. I am sure it is going to be an action packed finals”.
The curtain raiser for the grand finale is going to be the third place match which is another brotherly affair. National Division one side, Bayelsa United would take on Nigeria Premier League side, Ocean Boys in the third place match. Both clubs are from Bayelsa State and sponsored by the state government.