Enyimba and Enugu Rangers know that their sure route to return to the continent this season is through the President Federation Cup and the former champions have vowed to ensure they win the competition.
Only one team can win the trophy and both teams say they have the armoury to emerge victorious.
Enyimba defeated defending champions, El-Kanemi Warriors, 1-0 in Abuja to qualify for the round of 16, while Rangers fought hard to beat another former champion, Heartland of Owerri, via the penalty lottery after a 1-1 regular time ending in Awka.
Looking forward to his side’s fifth title in the competition, Enyimba’s Manager, Stanley Eguma, said after Wednesday’s victory over El- Kanemi that April 16’s round of 16 game against Abakaliki FC would be one of the games that would usher them to the crown.
He said: “We will keep pushing after this hard-fought win over El-Kanemi Warriors until we reach the final and, hopefully, win the trophy.
“There is no small team in this competition, but we know what to do to win it again.”
Also sure of success in the President Federation Cup after falling short in their defence of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) title, Enugu Rangers Assistant Coach, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, said his team would keep working hard for success in the competition.
He described the game against Heartland as very tough, saying, “we will keep working on the team as our target remains going as far as winning the trophy for the seventh time.”
Rangers will meet old foes, Bendel Insurance, in a game that would remind followers of the competition of their classic encounter in 1978 when Insurance, led by the legendary Alabi Aisien, against all odds, ran out 3-0 against the then African Cup Winners Cup champions.
Other round of 16 games will see Nasarawa United against Bayelsa United, Warri Wolves versus Wikki Tourists and Ikorodu City against Beyond Limits.
Akwa United will meet the winner of yesterday’s game between Inter Lagos and Jr. Danburam of Katsina, Solution FC of Anambra State is up against Kwara United, while it is Plateau United against Osun United.
