Rangers International of Enugu Team Manager, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, is quite optimistic that his side will emerge victorious in the Aiteo Cup final on Wednesday.
Rangers take on the giants from Kano, Kano Pillars at the wonderful Stephen Keshi stadium in Asaba in a cup final described by the Enugu born administrator as a very “big game”.
Speaking exclusively to ACLSports.com during their final training, Ezeaku says with the right mentality, the Flying Antelopes will soar above their counterparts from the North.
“It is a big game, two big sides and I expect the best of football,” Ezeaku said. “We believe that with the right mentality and physicality, Wednesday (today) will be our day.”
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He also gave an insight into what to expect from the Gbenga Ogunbote side from a tactical point of view.
“We are going to maintain the formation we played in the past [matches], and [also] the same mentality we have had throughout this tournament.”
Despite expressing belief that his Rangers side will come out tops against Pillars, Ezeaku added that the final won’t be an easy ride for the Flying Antelopes.
“It’s not going to be an easy game but what matters is the result at the end. No final match is ever easy, be it the CAF Champions League, UEFA Champions League or World Cup. It’s a final game, the players will come out to fight, so you don’t expect it to be an easy game. What matters is the final result and we believe Rangers will triumph.”
With reports of Anambra state Governor, Willie Obiano, providing the Antelopes and their fans over 20 buses in bid to provide support, Ezeaku added that the supporters are important in football, but they do not play the game.
“The 12th man is very important in football as they cheer their teams to victory,” he added. “As far as the Anambra state government and the Enugu state government as well.
“So, these supporters are coming to pour out their emotions but the game is played the pitch. Supporters are just part of the game, they are there to [simply] beautify the game.”
Rangers last won the cup in 1983, when it was still known as the Challenge Cup, beating now defunct Ranchers Bees via a penalty shootout.
