Federation Cup: EFCC FC into final with 1-0 win over Galadima FC

EFCC FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Galadima FC on Monday to book their place in the final of the FCT President Federation Cup at the Area 3 football pitch in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities in the first half.

However, in spite their best efforts, neither team was able to find the back of the net, leaving the scoreline goalless at halftime.

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On resumption of the second half , the intensity of the game only increased as EFCC FC began to pile on the pressure, determined to break the deadlock.

Their forwards launched wave after wave of attacks, but the Galadima FC defence held firm.

The Galadima FC forwards, in particular, were impressive in their defensive efforts, thwarting EFCC FC’s scoring attempts with their tireless work rate and clever positioning.

The stalemate continued until in the 64th minute, when EFCC FC finally made the breakthrough.

Abubakar Aliyu’s pass found Uche Obinna, who seized the opportunity with precision.

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Obinna expertly slotted the ball into the net, sending the EFCC FC bench into raptures and securing the decisive goal.

The goal was a testament to EFCC FC’s perseverance and determination, and it ultimately proved to be the difference-maker in the match.

After the match,Galadima FC , Captain ,Samuel Benjamin expressed disappointment after their 1-0 loss to EFCC FC.

“I am not happy with the outcome. We prepared to win, but today wasn’t our day. EFCC FC was lucky to take the win.

“ I attributed the loss to our error in concentration.In the second half, our opponents increased the pressure, and we lost focus.

“ Our goal was to score, but they remained calm and composed,”he said.

In spite the setback, Benjamin emphasized that reaching the semifinals was a milestone for his team.

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“This is our first time advancing to the semifinals and we will use this experience as a stepping stone for our next tournament, the Nationwide League One (NLO),” he said.

Also speaking, the EFCC FC Head Coach Kabiru Sani celebrated his team’s sixth consecutive final appearance since 2019.

“I am grateful to God that our strategy worked out. Galadima FC gave us a good fight, and I respect their character.

“ My team missed scoring opportunities but adjusted the strategy by introducing midfield changes to play from the flanks,” he said.

NAN reports that EFCC FC will now face the winner of the FWC FC vs N-Youth Football Academy match in the final, scheduled to take place on Feb. 22, at the Area 3 football pitch, Abuja.