Former Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba have been hit with another blow after crashing out of the 2016 Federation Cup losing 0-1 in the semi final duel to Nasarawa United on Saturday, October 15.
Enyimba who were recently dethroned by Enugu Rangers in the NPFL will now end the year 2016 without laying their hands on any major trophy.
The Peoples Elephants came into this game with many pundits tipping them to beat their less heralded opponents, but against all odds, United recorded an emphatic victory.
Both sides started the match aggressive, but Nasarawa United had more chances at goal in the first 20 minutes of the encounter which was decided in Ibadan.
In the 28th minute, Enyimba goalkeeper Joel Afelokhai fouled Abdulrahman Bashir inside the box, and the centre referee wasted no time to award a penalty to Nasarawa United.
Former Kwara United defender Seun Sogbeso stepped forward to convert the kick in the 30th minutes as Nasarawa United went to the break leading.
On resumption, Enyimba tried all they could do to cancel the deficit, but the defence of United stood firm and the fans of the Solid Miners would also have Suraj Ayeleso to thank as he denied Enyimba from scoring on numerous occasions.
This is the first time in history that Nasarawa United will enter the final of the Federation Cup, and they will meet FC Ifeanyi Ubah in the final.
Nasarawa United coach Kabiru Dogo told NAIJ.com after the game that him and his wards would try to lift the trophy on the final day.
”I want to first thank God and also appreciate my players and all around us, but it is not yet over until we get the cup,” he said
The winners of the 2016 Federation Cup will join Wikki Tourists as Nigeria’s representatives in next year’s Caf Confederation’s Cup
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