By Kunle Adewale
Host of the Federation Cup final, Lagos State, is planning to roll out the drums in a carnival-like atmosphere to recreate the fond memories that usually characterise the Challenge Cup of old. Speaking yesterday at a press briefing at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, to herald the Federation Cup final, Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, said everything has been put in place to ensure that fans have a fun-filled day. Oshodi said more attention is also being given to the female finals so as to bring more excitement to fans, while appealing to the eggheads at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to put its house in order and concentrate on football activities and development in the country.
"Everything has been put in place at ensuring that the stadium is filled to capacity, while players of various youth clubs in the state will also have the opportunity of watching the Federation Cup live," Oshodi noted In his reaction, NFF's First Vice-chairman, Seyi Akinwumi, said he hopes that the Federation Cup final would remain the exclusivity of Lagos, just as the Wembly Stadium is synonymous with the FA Cup in England. Speaking further, Akinwumi said the priority of present board of the NFF is football development and would not concentration all attention on the sehior national team.
"We don't want to measure successes with the number of laurels won by the national teams but by how well the board has developed football in the country," Akinwumi said. As part of its tradition since it has started hosting the competition in 2011, former footballers, journalist, referee and administrators that made the competition great would be honoured.
To be honoured posthumously are Ayo Ositelu, the duo of Enugu Rangers players, Alloysius Atuegbu and Ogidi Ibeabuchi. Former football administrator, Sunday Dankaro is also be honoured for his contribution to the game. Other awardees include, Jonathan Nwaiwu, George Hassan, Herbert Omokhaye, Kadiri Ikhana, Henry Ogboe, Peter Fregene, Yomi Peters, Bolaji Okubule and Peter Anieke. The Federation Cup final is slated for November 23 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
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