Federation Cup 2013: Super Eagles Star made Enyimba Champions

In the 2012 Federation Cup losers final, it was Super Eagles star Gabriel Rueben that lost his kick from the spot to give Prime FC of Osogbo the chance to be the second runners up. Same scene happened again in 2013 but this time in the finals.

The 2013 finals saw Enyimba of Aba and Warri Wolves target a slot to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederations Cup. In the end Enyimba and Rivers Angels were champions lifting the men and women trophy respectively.

The women gave the fans what to expect at the Teslim Balogun stadium when both Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons showed how much more they wanted the trophy. One name stood out, Ofoegbu Gloria, she got a brace to help her team to lift the trophy while Oyinyechi Ohadugha added one to make it 3goals to nil.

Photo: Super Sport Football- Warri Wolves celebrate their goal

 A first half goal by Gloria in the 32nd minute made the Rivers sponsored team leave for the break with a goal advantage. 11minutes into the second half Ohadugha made it two, with Gloria getting her second of the day to complete a 3 nil victory over the ladies from Nasarawa.

As the empty sits were filled up by fans with some in replica jerseys of Enyimba and Warri Wolves it was obvious the fans were expecting to see some good action.

A fan at the stadium said "I'm not a fan of local football but i felt like just seeing this match maybe it will tell me a new story or leave me with what i already knew about local football but i felt like i was missing something big when i saw my fellow Aba fans cheer Enyimba on, in fact i left my sit to join them to sing along.It's an experience i'll cherish all through my life" 

Fans had a reason to flash back when the press stand at the Teslim Balogun stadium was named after two  adorable broadcast journalists of their generation, Ishola Folorunsho and Ernest Okonkwo, both of blessed memory. It became more emotional when fans heard the voice of  Enerst Okonkwo and Ishola Folorunsho running commentaries during the 1980 African Cup of Nations held in Nigeria.


Again fans sat at the edge of their sit as Enyimba came from behid twice to level scores. A missed penalty by Super Eagles star Azubuike Eguekwe gave the Aba Elephant the Fed Cup 2013 trophy.

Photo: Super Sport Football- Bright of Enyimba celebrate his goal

It looked like Enyimba were in for another final loss when Musa Najere got an opener in the 22nd minute for the Seasiders as their fans celebrated and hope the score remains that way. Enyimba have been in the Federations Cup finals thrice in the last five years, a win against Sharks of Porthacourt, lost to Kaduna United on penalties and a slim loss to Heartland of Owerri was still fresh in their memory. Mean while Warri Wolves also knew that a win will activate the promise  the state government made before the final "a brand new Toyota car and a million Naira for each goal scored".

Warri Wolves went into the break with a goal lead but an instant response by Enyimba in the second half got their fans who were quiet after conceding an early goal in the match rocking in celebration.


 Bright Esieme who had a good game equalized in the 65th minute with a powerful strike from close range after Okemute Odah (Warri Wolves keeper) punched the ball. Wolves got back in front courtesy of Etebo Oghenekero's strike. At this point, fans were hoping Wolves sit back and hold on till the end but Ugwu Uwadiegwu's free kick from the edge of the box made sure the winner is decided via panelaties.

During the spot kicks, he walked casually from the centre of the pitch, picked the ball and placed it on the spot, he looked at the keeper but choose to walk casually to kick the ball into the hands of Femi Thomas. The Super Eagle defender, Azubuike Eguekwe couldn't believe as Enyimba players ran towards their fans to celebrate a well deserved Federation Cup triumph.

Photo: Super Sport Football- Femi Thomas of Enyimba celebrating

With this victory Enyimba will now feature in the CAF Confederations Cup next year that's if they finish out side of the top two in the league.

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