Abakaliki FC defender, Ifeanyi Ezema, says that the team is focused on the 2025 President Federation Cup final.

The Rice Boys will face Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Kwara United in the final of the competition.

Ezema said that he expects a tough battle against the NPFL side.

He said a victory in the encounter will serve as a consolation for their poor showing in the Nigeria National League (NNL).

“We’re prepared and fully focused on the President Federation Cup final against Kwara United,” Ezema told Completesports.

“It won’t be an easy match, we know that but we’re going to give it our all, knowing that victory in the final will serve as the only compensation to our supporters, the government, and the people of Ebonyi State for standing behind us throughout the campaign.

“Against Kwara United in the President Federation Cup final, we hope to fight and replicate that form which saw us beat these top teams, by the grace of God.”

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has admitted that Russia made things difficult for the team in their international friendly.

Nigeria and Russia battled to a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, on Friday night.

Okoye made a number of crucial saves to prevent the Super Eagles from losing the game.

The Udinese shot stopper claimed they had to dig deep to come out unscathed.

“The Russian team showed a very high level. We had to give it our all to play on equal terms with them. I think it was a great match for the fans,” he told Match TV.

Okoye also commented on the atmosphere at the stadium and the match ball.

“The balls were a little easier than usual,” he added.

“But overall, everything was fine. I really liked the atmosphere at the stadium.”

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has defended Russia goalkeeper Matvey Safonov following his error during the two sides’ 1-1 international friendly draw on Friday in Moscow.

Recall that Safonov mistakenly passed the ball to substitute Tolu Arokodare, who slotted home the Super Eagles’ equalising goal in the 71st minute. Semi Ajayi had earlier scored an own goal in the first half of the encounter at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Reacting to the error made by the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, Chelle expressed his support for the 26-year-old by insisting that everyone makes mistakes.
“Everyone makes mistakes – it’s part of the game,” Chelle said at his post-match interview when asked about Safonov’s error.
“Goals are scored precisely because of mistakes. I don’t think the goalkeeper is the only one to blame – it’s the result of the entire team’s actions. I follow the French championship and I can say: you’ve a great goalkeeper,” he added.