AFTER conquering such Premier League teams as Enugu Rangers International and Enyimba International of Aba enroute the semi-final stage the Federation Cup, Prime FC of Osogbo is confident that Heartland of Owerri will also succumb in their tie in Ilorin.The Osun State team has since settled down at the venue of the clash with the intention of playing in its first ever Federation Cup final. Midfielder Taiwo Mayegun told The Guardian yesterday: 'We arrived in Ilorin on Sunday and have started adapting to the weather.'We know that our opponents are not pushovers, especially being the defending champions of the competition. But we want to let them know that we have edged out teams like Rangers and Enyimba and they will not be an exception when we play in the semi-final. We respect them but are not afraid of them.'We have been well motivated by the state government and the Chairman of Osogbo Local Council, Isiaka Faramade, who has not relented in supporting the team both in the National League and Federation Cup. We have made up our minds to compensate them by berthing in the final and eventually lifting the trophy.'The Niger Tornadoes erstwhile star said: 'It is the joy of every player to play in Lagos, especially in the Federation Cup, which is the oldest competition in Nigeria. For us, we know so many people, especially our fans, are eager to watch us and we will ensure that we make it to Lagos on Wednesday (tomorrow).'We know it is going to be a tough encounter and we are ready for any opposition. We know the pressure will be on Heartland, being the defending champion, and people are also looking forward to seeing us, having eliminated former champions like Rangers and Enyimba in the group and quarter-final stages.'He added: 'For us players, playing in the final of the Federation Cup will afford us the opportunity to increase our value as many scouts and managers will be around to look for players and we are willing to sell ourselves.'Also, I want to commend the Lagos State Government for the way they have bee supporting the competition, especially with the donation of new trophy. Every player in Nigeria looks forward to participating in the Federation Cup and we will not disappoint our fans as well.'However, with the team unable to make the Premier League, Mayegun hopes that lifting the Federation Cup would be a happy ending to the season. To berth in the last four of the Cup, the Waheed Olapade-captained Prime FC bundled out teams such as Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, Sharks of Port Harcourt, Rangers and Enyimba.
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