stories by george aluo
FC IfeanyiUbah, yesterday emerged the winners of the 2016 men’s Federation Cup competition after a 5-4 penalty shoot –out defeat of Nasarawa United at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Both teams battled to a 0-0 draw in regulation time at the final watched by Nasarawa State Governor, Umar Tanko Al-Makura, Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu and the full compliment of the Executive Committee and Management of Nigeria Football Federation led by the President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick.
In the shoot –out, Seun Sogbeso, whose goal from the penalty spot steered Nasarawa United to the final at the expense of Enyimba FC in Ibadan, saw his tame kick saved by Warriors’ goalkeeper, Uche Okafor to hand the trophy to the boys from Nnewi.
In the women’s final, Rafiat Sule put Bayelsa Queens ahead, but Rivers Angels equalized through a well –taken free kick by Osinachi Ohale. The Angels won the shoot –out 5-3 to emerge champions.
FC IfeanyiUbah will now fly Nigeria’s flag in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup, while league winners Rangers will feature in the money spinning CAF Champions League. Meanwhile, TP Mazembe of Congo DR , yesterday won the CAF Confederation Cup after beating Algerian side, MO Bejaia by 4-1 (5-2 on aggregate).