Fed Cup: Giant killers on the prowl
Heartland celebrate winning the 2011 Federation Cup
Mbaise Lions venue moved
Unfashionable clubs are set to
upstage teams in the NPL when the 2012 Federation Cup takes centre stage across
Nigeria from Monday.
The Federation Cup has pushed up some interesting match-ups as the small clubs are bullish they can shock the big names in the country’s cup competition.
In one of such Round of 60 games, El Kanemi Warriors, who just won promotion to the NPL, will face NPL outfit Rising Stars with the Maiduguri-based team upbeat they will knock out the Akure side Monday.
Speaking with MTNFootball.com, El Kanemi Warriors boss Mohammed Zana said they are not afraid of any team as they have the qualities to beat any NPL team.
"We are ready for Rising Stars. We fear no team no matter the level they are playing and you should also have it in mind that we are now NPL side now. I don't see Rising beating,” Zana declared.
“Our team have the qualities to beat any team and we also want to progress in this competition."
Rising Stars left back Amodu Mohammed said his team will rise to the occasion and beat El Kanemi.
"El Kanemi's promotion shows they are a good side and as such we will approach the game with all seriousness. I don't see El Kanemi stopping us," he said.
Both sides will clash at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.
In Katsina-Ala, Plateau United will lock horns with NPL champions Dolphin on Tuesday and both sides are talking tough ahead of the match.
Plateau United central defender Kabiru Ayinde told MTNFootball.com they will stop Dolphin to advance to next round of the cup competition.
"It is going to be a tough game no doubt, but I see us beating Dolphin. This is the Federation Cup and not the league, so it is not about which league a team play.
“It is a competition that is known for surprises all over the world, we are prepared to do well in it especially after missing promotion ticket."
Dolphin midfielder Hassan Hussein told MTNFootball.com they won't underrate Plateau United, who he has played against during his time with city rivals JUTH FC.
"It is not going to be easy against Plateau United. I know them too well and if I have the opportunity to face them, I will unlock them. Victory is what we are playing for," he said.
Hassan Hussein's brace against Plateau United in the state final two seasons ago was all JUTH FC needed to win state Federation Cup.
The overall winners will represent Nigeria in next year's CAF Confederation Cup.
FIXTURES
Monday, June 25
Fame Academy v 3SC in Shagamu
Sharks V Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin
Mbaise Lions V Kwara United in Lokoja
Zabgai V Akwa United in Katsina Ala
El Kanemi V Rising stars in Abuja
Wikki Tourist V Prime in Minna
All Stars Academy V UNICEM Rovers in Aba
Gamji FC v Scorpions FC in Katsina Ala
Dynamite Force V FC Taraba in Lokoja
Dabo FC V First Bank in Abuja
Hehoda FC V Ranchers Bees in Keffi
Gateway FC V Akpabio FC in Benin
Spotlite FC V Mgbo FC in Keffi
Warri Wolves V Olorunda in Ado Ekiti
Sunshine stars V Jimeta in Abuja
Yobe Stars V JUTH FC in Jalingo
Crown FC V Fountai. In Abeokuta
Rangers V Hajaig FC in Ibadan
Cannan United V FC Ebedei in Warri
Tuesday
Makwada V Niger Tornadoes in Katsina
Flash Flamingoes V Lobi Stars in Abuja
FC Abuja V Kogi United
Samba V Sakaba Links in Ilorin
Abia Warriors V Police Machine in Benin
Ajax FC V Nasarawa United in Minna
Kaduna United V Police Machine in Jalingo
Cup holders Heartland and runners-up Enyimba are drawn bye for the next stage of the competition.
The Federation Cup has pushed up some interesting match-ups as the small clubs are bullish they can shock the big names in the country’s cup competition.
In one of such Round of 60 games, El Kanemi Warriors, who just won promotion to the NPL, will face NPL outfit Rising Stars with the Maiduguri-based team upbeat they will knock out the Akure side Monday.
Speaking with MTNFootball.com, El Kanemi Warriors boss Mohammed Zana said they are not afraid of any team as they have the qualities to beat any NPL team.
"We are ready for Rising Stars. We fear no team no matter the level they are playing and you should also have it in mind that we are now NPL side now. I don't see Rising beating,” Zana declared.
“Our team have the qualities to beat any team and we also want to progress in this competition."
Rising Stars left back Amodu Mohammed said his team will rise to the occasion and beat El Kanemi.
"El Kanemi's promotion shows they are a good side and as such we will approach the game with all seriousness. I don't see El Kanemi stopping us," he said.
Both sides will clash at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.
In Katsina-Ala, Plateau United will lock horns with NPL champions Dolphin on Tuesday and both sides are talking tough ahead of the match.
Plateau United central defender Kabiru Ayinde told MTNFootball.com they will stop Dolphin to advance to next round of the cup competition.
"It is going to be a tough game no doubt, but I see us beating Dolphin. This is the Federation Cup and not the league, so it is not about which league a team play.
“It is a competition that is known for surprises all over the world, we are prepared to do well in it especially after missing promotion ticket."
Dolphin midfielder Hassan Hussein told MTNFootball.com they won't underrate Plateau United, who he has played against during his time with city rivals JUTH FC.
"It is not going to be easy against Plateau United. I know them too well and if I have the opportunity to face them, I will unlock them. Victory is what we are playing for," he said.
Hassan Hussein's brace against Plateau United in the state final two seasons ago was all JUTH FC needed to win state Federation Cup.
The overall winners will represent Nigeria in next year's CAF Confederation Cup.
FIXTURES
Monday, June 25
Fame Academy v 3SC in Shagamu
Sharks V Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin
Mbaise Lions V Kwara United in Lokoja
Zabgai V Akwa United in Katsina Ala
El Kanemi V Rising stars in Abuja
Wikki Tourist V Prime in Minna
All Stars Academy V UNICEM Rovers in Aba
Gamji FC v Scorpions FC in Katsina Ala
Dynamite Force V FC Taraba in Lokoja
Dabo FC V First Bank in Abuja
Hehoda FC V Ranchers Bees in Keffi
Gateway FC V Akpabio FC in Benin
Spotlite FC V Mgbo FC in Keffi
Warri Wolves V Olorunda in Ado Ekiti
Sunshine stars V Jimeta in Abuja
Yobe Stars V JUTH FC in Jalingo
Crown FC V Fountai. In Abeokuta
Rangers V Hajaig FC in Ibadan
Cannan United V FC Ebedei in Warri
Tuesday
Makwada V Niger Tornadoes in Katsina
Flash Flamingoes V Lobi Stars in Abuja
FC Abuja V Kogi United
Samba V Sakaba Links in Ilorin
Abia Warriors V Police Machine in Benin
Ajax FC V Nasarawa United in Minna
Kaduna United V Police Machine in Jalingo
Cup holders Heartland and runners-up Enyimba are drawn bye for the next stage of the competition.
{message}