Daily Independent Online.
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Friday, July 02, 2004.
Rangers vow to lift Confederation Cup
By Orkula Shaagee
Correspondent, Abuja
Chief Coach of
Rangers Football Club of Enugu, Lawrence Akpokona has promised that the Enugu
antelopes would lift this year’s Confederation Cup trophy.
Akpokona who spoke
to Daily Independent in Abuja
where his wards thrashed Premier League side, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi 7-6 on
penalties, after a 2-2 draw in the regulation and extra-time to advance to the
second round of the 2004 Coca Cola FA Cup, says Nigerians should be sure of
drinking from the newly introduced trophy in 2004. “We are going to win, we will not disappoint our
fans and the nation because we know their expectations, especially with the
ouster of one of Nigeria’s representatives in the competition, Lobi
Stars”, said the former Sunshine Stars coach.
On why Rangers
struggled to win the Coca Cola FA Cup against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi,
Akpokona said it was because the players were tired, having played consistently
in recent times.
Speaking further,
Akpokona who praised the centre referee for his fair handling of the match,
explained that he had to drop first choice goal tender, Sam Okoye from the
match because he was not fit to play.
