Enyimba Clinches Federation Cup for the Third Time.

With scores leveled at 2-2 after 90 minutes of top class football in the final match of the 2013 Federation Cup, Enyimba of Aba triumphed over Warri Wolves 5-4 on penalties to clinch the oldest Nigerian cup tournament for the third time on Sunday.

 

First timers, Wolves impressed about 10,000 spectators at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, in the first-half, but Enyimba returned into the fray in the second period. Sibi Gwar came close to getting an early lead for the Elephants when his shot was well kept out by goalkeeper Odah after seven minutes and 10 minutes later, his effort from the edge of the box was wide off the mark.

Joseph Osadiaye blasted off target an early opportunity to earn Wolves the lead, having escaped the Aba side’s defence .

Both teams engaged in a dicey affair before Wolves opened scoring when Musa Najarein converted a corner kick in the 23rd minute owing to a plucky defence by ‘The People’s Elephant.’

A second-half goal by Enyimba’s defender Bright Esieme leveled matters for 2005, 2009 cup winners, but the unrelenting Warri Wolves were back in the lead few minutes later when Osadiaye netted a rebound from inside the box after keeper Femi Thomas could not hold a shot from inside the box.

Ugwu Uwadiegwu equalised for Enyimba with 8 minutes to play with a superb effort from a free kick.

Nigeria international Azubuikwe Egwekwe’s penalty was saved by Enyimba’s keeper Femi Thomas to deny Wolves a first-ever Cup victory.