Lobi Stars has shifted attention temporarily away from the domestic league and will face a lower-division side FC One Rocket in the round of 64 of the Federation Cup which is also known as the Challenge Cup tomorrow at the Awka Township Stadium, Anambra State.
Coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru, the head coach of Lobi Stars, and his team have to instill the needed confidence as they look forward to building momentum by securing a positive result here in Awka which will also serve as a moral booster going into the weekend’s important league fixture against Niger Tornadoes FC in Jos.
The Federation Cup competition is a highly unpredictable tournament in the land which requires cushioning while approaching the soccer tournament. This is because lower division teams that are tagged as underdogs go on to pull surprises against the elite clubs by eliminating them.
The gaffer is fully aware of these intricacies and won’t take things lightly as he prepares his side for tomorrow’s encounter.
Last season, the Makurdi-based side had a good run in the Aiteo Cup as they zoomed into the quarter-final of the prestigious tournament before it was called off.
This season too is not exempted as the former Kano pillars handler alongside his technical crew has prepared the lads physically as well as mentally going into this competition.
The versatile tactician will turn to the likes of Kalu Orji, Monday Akile, Joseph Atule, Moses Tsehuan, Wasiu Alalade, and Daniel Atsaka to lead and direct affairs in their favor after the regulation time.
The Head Coach of FC One Rocket, Ndubuisi Ndah will be excited to parade his lads against the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) giant. The 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medalist will turn to the duo of Goodnews Paul and Bright Osah to charge his side for the important clash.
The “Shoe Get Size” boys are familiar with the venue of tomorrow’s tie and will approach the match like a Cup final to achieve the needed result.
