Maikaba eyes Federation Cup success in Asaba

Head coach of Rangers International Abdul Maikaba is optimistic about the chances of leading his side to victory when they face Bendel Insurance in the 2023 Federation Cup final in Asaba on Wednesday, www.aclsports.com reports.

The two traditional sides will face off at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba for the third time in the National Cup competition, with previous finals ending in a win apiece. Apart from the title at stake, a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup is also up for grabs and Maikaba is keen to end the disappointing season on a high.

READ: Bendel Insurance, Rangers set for Federation Cup final showdown

The astute tactician, who won the competition with Akwa United in 2017, said “I think we have come a long way to this stage of the competition. From the graph of the performance of both sides contesting for the title, it is very obvious that the Rangers are on the high while our opponent is on the downward run.

“We want to make our fans happy with a very good performance and win the trophy for the seventh time. We have some injury worries to some key players but have capable replacements and I am confident and optimistic that we shall get the job done against a resolute and mobile side like Bendel Insurance.

“Motivation in the team is very high and I must commend the management of the team and the government of Enugu state for their efforts in getting the team motivated going into this final match and I believe we shall all smile after the match,” concluded the former Plateau United coach.

Rangers are aiming for a 7th triumph in the competition after previous wins in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1981, 1983, and most recently 2018.

In a related development, FIFA badge referee Adebimpe Quadri has been appointed as the referee for the final; Mohammed Mahamud and Ahmed Mohammed have been chosen as the two assistant referees, while the duo of Grema Mohammed and Nasiru Ibrahim were named as the reserve referee and reserve assistant, respectively.