- FC Ifeanyi Ubah go for first Nigerian Federation Cup final triumph on Sunday
- Club owned by Dr Ifeanyi Ubah - founder of West Ham United's first African partner
- Philanthropist Dr Ubah owns Capital Oil and Gas Limited
The club owned and named in honour of the owner of West Ham United’s first African partner Capital Oil and Gas Limited will take part in the Nigerian Federation Cup final on Sunday.
Nnewi-based FC Ifeanyi Ubah – named after Capital Oil and Gas founder Dr Ifeanyi Ubah – will take on Nasarawa United at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
After just missing out on a place in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup by finishing fourth in the just-concluded Nigeria Football Premier League (NPFL), the Anambra Warriors will qualify for the Confederation Cup if they win this weekend.
Following a convincing victory against hard-fighting Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Crown FC of Ogbomosho in a tension-soaked semi-final in Kaduna, the Anambra Warriors did not leave any follower of Nigerian football in doubt that they are set for the final.
On their own side, Nasarawa United who were eliminated at the second round of the 2016 CAF Champions League by Algerian side, CS Constantinois, are also hoping to return to continental competition after posting an impressive 2-1 victory over Enyimba International FC in the semi-finals.
FC Ifeanyi Ubah Chairman Chukwuma Ubah said the team is ready to win the Federation Cup.
“Considering the investment our President has made, we are in pole position to win the Cup,” he said. “The Club's President, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah is passionate about giving back to the society and this he is doing by funding this club to better a lot of Nigerian footballers.
“We have a lot to offer if we win the cup. Nasarawa United has had its chance in the continental campaign but they did not go far. I think it's time for FC Ifeanyi Ubah to take up the challenge and I am confident that we will make an excellent representation in the continental campaign next season.”
For the second year running, a new winner is bound to emerge from the oldest competition in the land, as neither the Miners nor the Anambra Warriors have lifted the trophy previously.
The match will be graced by the presence of the Anambra State governor, Chief Willy Obiano, who is expected to lead a delegation of high-profile fans to cheer FC Ifeanyi Ubah on in their first Federation Cup final.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will be the chief host for the final. The Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and the governors of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike and Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson will also be at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.