both missed out of the Super 6 playoffs in the Nigeria professional Football League, Enugu Rangers and Plateau United have turned their attention to the Federation Cup as their only chance of picking up a continental ticket this season.
Both teams will clash in one of the semi-finals in Ijebu Ode today, with the winners one game away from glory against either Bendel Insurance or Warri Wolves, who will faceoff in the other semi-final tie in Lagos.
Despite being the highest scoring side in the NPFL regular season, Plateau finished in a disappointing fifth place in Group A with 23 points and were also docked three points and three goals after violence rocked their run-in against Remo Stars in Jos.
Their coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, expects an explosive encounter against the 2018 winners.
“We have had a tough season, as we missed out by a slim chance for a place in the NPFL Super 6. The Federation Cup is a good chance for the us to redeem ourselves and make our fans smile again.
“I expect a tough battle from Rangers, as they have won it six times, while Plateau United have won it just once, so pundits will rate us the underdogs. Having come this far shows the quality in both teams, but not playing against each other in the NPFL due to the abridged format of the season, might be a key factor in the game.”
On his part, Enugu Rangers coach, Abdul Maikaba, will be guiding the Flying Antelopes against his former side. He also sees the Federation Cup as a chance to redeem the club’s image after a disappointing season in the NPFL.
“I am not under any pressure to win the Federation Cup but I will be very happy if I happen to win it after passing through a very difficult season and escaping relegation by a whisker. Winning the Federation Cup will be like a compensation for the Enugu State Government and Rangers family in general,” Maikaba told our correspondent.
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