Federation Cup: Akwa Coach Plots Lobi's Fall

•Akwa Starlet coach, King

•Akwa Starlet coach, Emmaneul King

Having shown the way out to Glo Premier League sides such as Kwara United and Dolphins from the ongoing Federations Cup, Akwa Starlets coach, Emmanuel King has boasted that another team from the elite division, Lobi Stars of Makurdi should be ready to bid the competition bye when both sides clash.

The giant killers and Lobi Stars will trade tackles on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu in one of the quarter -final matches and King said they are not troubled ahead of the clash.

Speaking ahead of the tie, King said “Our mentality and approach to matches are devoid of complex and timidity but to focus on the brighter side of the game which is to win. We’re not intimidated by the high profile of Lobi Stars, and our ambition is to win. I believe we won’t have problem handling the side.”

King added: “There appears a light at the end of the dark tunnel, we won’t give up hope until we reach the light and I’m positive that my rookies will cause more upset en route to playing in the final as well as winning the title for the first time,” he enthused.

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•Akwa Starlet coach, Emmaneul King
•Akwa Starlet coach, Emmaneul King

Meanwhile, King has hailed the match officials handling matches in the competition, stating “The performance of the referees in the Federation Cup has given me hope that the referees could perform excellently even in the league if they wanted to do so. The same side that are excelling in the Federation Cup are not able to repeat the feat in the league due to questionable officiating there in the league. We haven’t seen very good officiating in the league as it’s the case in the ongoing Federation Cup, I’m not saying this because I’m in the quarter-finals, but it’s an open secret any unbiased person could readily attest to.

“Officiating has been balanced nothing to such inducement or intimidation of any kind, I think officiating has been wonderful and that explains why my players who are 99 percent local players are doing very well among established and seasoned players.

“Aside fair officiating, hard work and hunger to excel among the entire team, have been the reasons for the team’s success story so far in the Federation Cup,” he said.

—Adebobola Alawode

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