EX-INTERNATIONAL, Mutiu Adepoju, has called for a more glamorous President Federation Cup, a replica of the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s.
Adepoju made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the 2024 President Federation Cup final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
NAN reports that El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri emerged winner defeating Abia Warriors 2-0 courtesy a brace from Salihu Nasiru.
Adepoju said that there has been some dynamics in the game.
“Certainly FA Cup is always glamorous as all clubs do look forward to it because it involves all clubsides irrespective of their grade.
“We have clubsides from all cadre of play from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) even non League sides do have same opportunity to compete.
“We also have those that have won the cup and those aspiring to compete, and this makes the competition more interesting and glamorous.
“In comparison with the old times of the FA Cup it is more glamorous then than what we have now, but there are other indices,” he said.
“Many things have evolved between now and then, we have seen some great quality players during the cup games.
“Now, there are other things, we have suprise teams and players for example Abia Warriors who are debutants in the 2024 final.
“FA Cup competition is always great because it’s full of surprises because it’s not a regular league.
“In the past we have seen a team like Leventis United that have done well in the FA Cup, even when they are in the Division 2 then before they won the cup when they moved to the Division 1,” he added.
The former IICC Shooting Stars midfielder, said he was looking forward to the time when his former team, now Shooting Stars SC would return to their glory days.
“Shooting Stars performed well this season but missed the Continental slot just by a point.
“The performance is what we have been expecting for a long time, we are waiting to see Shooting Stars play at the highest level.
“ I am looking forward to seeing them qualify to play continental football next season,” he said.
