Federation Cup: 3SC draws minnows

THIS year's Federation Cup otherwise known as the Challenge Cup's draws for preliminary matches were held yesterday in Abuja with 60 teams making the draw, which hitherto used to be 64 teams.The draws saw Shooting Stars of Ibadan squaring up against lesser known Fame Academy of Lagos, in what observers have dubbed a David and Goliath duel.Director national competitions, Dr Sanusi Mohammed who stood in for Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)'s, President, Aminu Maigari, said Zamfara state might have incurred the wrath of the nation's football house following its refusal to be part of the Federation Cup for the second year running.According to Mohammed who supervised the draws, Zamfara state will definitely come under the hammer of the Glasshouse.''Since this is the second year they have not made entry into the Federation Cup. I have told the state FA boss that we will be visiting them with sanction.'' No official of Zamfara state was on hand to respond to press inquiries.The first round of matches will kick-off on June 25 and 26 across the country.Reasons that were adduced for the 60- team format was that some states had just one entry, while there was outright refusal to be part of the competition by Zamfara. The likes of Ocean boys from Bayelsa were disqualified following the club's inability to return stamped registered forms on time.Eighteen [18] premier league clubs made the draws while 16 professional league sides made it to the draw while the amateur clubs made up the rest.
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