Federation Cup Round of 16: Teams talk tough

SIXTEEN teams will from today across four of Nigeria's cities begin the battle for quarterfinal tickets of 2012 Federation Cup with Rangers drawn against Sharks, Prime FC and Dynamite Force of Benin City in Ibadan.In this group, the team to watch out for is Dynamite Force having sent packing NPL side Akwa United. The club also boasts of such names as Charles Omokaro, John Ofomba and a host of other retired premier league players, who have a point to prove. Another tough group is in Bauchi where Enyimba, Warri Wolves, Lobi Stars and non-league Samba of Enugu are drawn in what appears to be the toughest of the cup competition.Defending champion, Heartland FC of Owerri will have Gombe United, Plateau United and Nasarawa United to contend with in the Port-Harcourt zone.In Lagos Kwara United, Kano Pillars, El Kanemi Warriors and Crown FC will vie for honours. Meanwhile Rangers chairman Festus Onuh says his team is ready to dethrone rival, Heartland and claim the domestic double.'This is Rangers' year to win a double. The league is almost in the kitty and we shall devote equal attention to the Federation Cup,' he said.However, Enyimba coach Austin Eguavoen is equally ambitious.'The players are there and the management is doing its best to motivate us to go all the way to lift the trophy. We shall give every game the attention it deserves until we take the trophy back to Aba.'Coach Kelechi Emeteole of El Kanemi says none of the 16 teams can take his side for a ride.'We are not new in this business. It will be 11 players against another 11 from the other side and the team with better co-ordination and some bit of luck will progress to the quarter-finals.
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