Federation Cup 2013: Lagos Ready for 68th Grand Finale

The Nigeria Football Federation and Host City, Lagos have perfected arrangements for a captivating 68th Federation Cup grand finale at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on Sunday.

Sunday’s showpiece at the venue incidentally named after one of the true legends of the Cup will kick off at 1.30pm with the Women’s Final, between Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt and Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia.

NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, said: “We are working in harmony with Lagos State to achieve a spectacular show, even better than what we had last year. I must commend the Lagos State Government for its support and commitment to bringing back the glory days of the
Federation Cup.

“The Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Wahid Oshodi and his officers have been very dedicated, and we praise their diligence. They have co-operated very well with our officials and everything points to a magnificent grand finale on Sunday.”

Organisers have confirmed an expansion of the State Box at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, to accommodate more top dignitaries. The NFF stated on Wednesday that the Honourable Minister of Sports/Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi will be special
guest of honour.

Chief host, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) of Lagos will be supported by Governors Theodore Orji of Abia State and Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.

The Main Organising Committee, co-chaired by Hon. Wahid Oshodi and NFF 1st Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh, has announced plans for a comprehensive security arrangement, which will see close to 1,000 security personnel deployed on the day.

The Men’s Final, starting at 4pm, will see two-time champions and two-time runners-up Enyimba FC of Aba up against Warri Wolves FC. Lagos State officials are in the middle of a project to mobilise about 10,000 fans to the stadium, with Enyimba FC and Warri Wolves also expected to storm the Centre of Excellence with thousands of their supporters.

The roll-call of legends to be showcased (a part of the programme that started last year thanks to Governor Fashola) will see the likes of Paul Hamilton (Wonder Boy), Jossy Dombraye, Toyin Ayinla, Dominic Iorfa, Walter Oyatogun, Sebastian Brodricks-Imasuen, Stanley Eguma and Joe Erico on parade, alongside family members of the late maestro, Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal and late Amusa Shittu.