Chairman of Enyimba, Felix Anyansi Agwu wants a League and Cup double after the People’s Elephants sealed their place in the final of the 2013 Federation Cup on Wednesday. Enyimba last won the double in 2005.
The Aba-based club beat Lobi Stars 1-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin courtesy of an Ifeanyi Ede strike on 59 minutes.
Anyansi, who was on hand to watch the game at the stadium, praised his wards for the win but warned that they could not afford to be lulled into a false sense of security.
“Getting to the final of the Federation Cup is not an easy feat so for that, I must congratulate the players. However, there is still work to be done so the players must continue to work hard till they win the trophy,” Anyansi told supersport.com.
The People’s Elephants are also well placed in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) as they currently occupy the third position on the log with 42 points from 26 matches, just one point adrift of the leaders, Kano Pillars who have however played a game less.
Anyansi believes that with 12 rounds of matches still to navigate, the “People’s Elephants” will seal a remarkable double.
“For a club like Enyimba, second place is never good enough. Our fans are used to titles and that is what we intend to achieve in the league. We have had our trying moments, just like all clubs do, when we went for a few seasons without winning any title.
“Now the good times are back. Remember, we remain the first and only Nigerian club to have won the CAF Champions League. Hopefully, Champions League football will return to Aba from next year and we will make our mark on the continent again,” he said.
Meanwhile, assistant coach of Enyimba, Imama Amapakabo has described Ede’s goal against Lobi Stars as one of the “most beautiful things I have ever seen in a football pitch.”
“When (Ede) picked up the ball at the edge of the Lobi penalty area, there were about seven defenders behind the ball. We all urged him to shoot but he ignored us before producing a most delightful chip that nestled in the net. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen on a football pitch,” he said.
Enyimba now proceed to the final of the Federation Cup on September 15 where they will meet the winner of the second semi-final Warri Wolves.
