Giwa FC coach, Duke Udi, thinks Sunday’s home win over Enyimba International FC, gives his team some psychological edge ahead of the crucial Federation Cup semi-final between both teams in Abeokuta.
Reigning Cup holders, Enyimba, failed to win either of the league fixtures involving both sides this season, and are now in grave danger of losing a second match to the same opponent withing a week.
Udi, an ex-footballer for 3SC, Enyimba, Lobi Stars and Niger Tornadoes, expects a tense battle with the ‘Peoples Elephant’ but reiterates that his Jos-based side are not lacking in “confidence” as well.
Victory for Enyimba in Abeokuta Will Have Them Appear in Successive Finals Following Last Year’s Victory Over Warri Wolves A the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
“To be honest it is going to be difficult game,” the Giwa FC manager told lmc-ng.com. “We have taken four points off them this season in the league and that’s good for our confidence.
“But the Federation Cup nowadays is a different competition. But we are confident”.
Giwa FC, under former Enyimba coach, Khadiri Ikhana, provided the surprise result of Match Day 19, after forcing the six-time champions to stalemate in Aba.
Sunday’s 1-0 win- courtesy of Ocheme Edoh’s goal- was Udi’s first in charge of a top-flight team, since succeeding Ikhana, who quit in June owing to the insecurity in the Plateau State capital.
The boss admitted there was not going be a better welcome gift from his wards, other than defeating the most successful team in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Udi said: “I am happy with the start we have made in the second round. We do recognise that we are not a big club like Enyimba but the win is a big statement for us. I’m grateful to God for this beginning in my career and I can’t thank my players enough for this.”
The victory projected Giwa to fourth on the Glo Premier League standings, while any repeat of such on Thursday could quell Enyimba’s hopes of reaching successive finals in two years.
However, a win for Udi’s men at the MKO International Stadium, Kutto, would herald the birth of a new NPFL dream boys and as well earn them the ‘giant killer’ title.
Kick-off time: 4:00pm.
by Greenstarnetwork admin..
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