Oghenetejiri Nyerhovwo, Asaba
The Delta State Football Association( DFA) has expressed it’s readiness to host the finals of the 2023 Federation Cup scheduled to take place at the Stephen Keshi Sadium, Asaba on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
Accordng to a statement signed by Ken Nwamuocha, chairman Delta State Football Association( DFA) and made available to Independent by Mr. Azuka Chiemeka, the Association Spokesman, the chairman expressed his appreciation to Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State and Chief Tonobok Okowa, Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission for ensuring that Deltans have the privilege of watching the Federations Cup finals for the second time.
Nwamucha confirmed that hosting the Federation Cup finals in Delta Stare is another way the State Government has demonstrated its commitment to sports development, particularly football, he called on Deltans to support this move by coming out en-masse to watch the finals.
The chairman of Delta State Football Association (DFA) also confirmed that necessary logistics needed for a successful hosting has been put in place, adding that the State had a very successful meeting with the officials of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) on plans for a befitting 2023 finals.
He further disclosed that there will be other side attractions lined up towards the build up to the finals as well as free entry for all so as to encourage large turnout of fans to cheer their various teams.
Nwamuocha explained that the state government was not also unaware of the economic challenges facing many Nigerians especially youths, hence the need to assist them with free tickets to watch the games.
The finals of the Federations Cup Competition will begin with the Women’s final between Cup holders Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels which is billed to commence at 2pm while the Men’s final, between 1978 champions Bendel Insurance of Benin and Rangers International of Enugu will kick off at 5pm.
Football administrators, promoters, stakeholders and fans are already in Asaba looking forward to one of the best finals in both men’s and women’s versions of the tournament.
It would be recalled that in a thrilling FA Cup final match played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba in 2018, one of the biggest comebacks ever in Nigerian football was recorded as Enugu Rangers came from three goals down to beat Kano Pillars 4-2 on penalties to win the 2018 Federations Cup in the male category while Rivers Angles emerged champions in the female category.
