Federation Cup Preview: Kogi United vs Ekiti United; Ishaya Jatau: Federation Cup, Shortcut to Continental

As clubs get set for the commencement of 2016 Federation Cup, Head Coach of Kogi United has disclosed that the oldest competition in the country is best shortest way to book a continental ticket.

Kogi United will begin the Round of 64 campaign against Ekiti United today at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Coach Jatau who won the competition, then known as Challenge Cup with Inwanyawu Nationale (now Heartland FC) said players and clubs need to take the tournament serious as its quickly herald them to the world just as he charged the organizers, the NFF to put more prizes and incentives to make it attractive.

"There's great importance to Federation Cup, its the best and short way to continental, begins the former DSS coach.

"After the state finals, you will only need to play just 6 games to qualify for Confederation Cup, if you prepare well to win all, which is more than possible, then you're there.

The passion for the FA Cup is going down because there's lack of passion for it. Clubs should show more interests in this competition and players also need to be serious about it as it will help to sell themselves to the world fast, if the NFF can as well make it more challenging with big prizes and other packages, I believe it will be more competitive," he said.

Coach Jatau has decided to follow his words with action as he named a strong Kogi United team for the encounter against the Nationwide League side billed for Benin today.

Captain Abiodun Afolabi led a crack team which includes in form defenders, Tenimu Abubakar, Iko James and Stephen Musa.

Destiny Ashadi, Bashir Chatto, Pius Samson and Chindo Babangida led the combative and creative midfield combination while John Jerome, Musa Jatau, Bolaji Micheal and Bello Timothy are in front for the Confluence State boys with the hope to record goals today.

Jatau said the selection was necessary as he wouldn't want to give any chance against Ekiti United looking at surprises posed top clubs in the federation cup.

The former Mighty Jets handler said his target was to make Kogi United go all the way in the Fed Cup just as he call for total commitment from his players.

The match between Kogi United FC and Ekiti United is slated for 3pm at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

Kogi United Team vs Ekiti United
Goalkeepers:
Shola Sheshere.
Detan Ogundare.

Defenders:
Abiodun Afolabi.
Sanusi Pedro.
Iko James.
Kingsley Iwuji Emeka.
Tenimu Abubakar.
Stephen Musa.

Midfielders:
Mayaki Ismail Idris.
Bashir Chatto.
Bolaji Micheal.
Destiny Ashadi.
Chindo Babangida.
Pius Samson.

Attackers:
John Jerome.
Bello Timothy.
Okwa Nelson.
Musa Jatau.


Signed:
Wale Mustapha
Media Officer, Kogi United FC.

@Kindwale101
@Kogiunitedfc.

07037376434, 08189087500.
walexforsports@gmail.com