Maikaba says Rangers are confident of sealing a seventh FA Cup win in Asaba

Coach Abdul Maikaba, technical adviser to Rangers International F.C of Enugu is optimistic of leading his wards to victory going into Wednesday’s NFF-TINGO Federation Cup 2023 final match against old-rivals, Bendel Insurance F.C of Benin City inside the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

In a chat after the team’s last training session inside the lush green turf of the edifice in Asaba, the widely respected gaffer said that the response he got from his players from various drills in the run-up to the final match gave him the confidence that the trophy will be heading to the Coal City at the end of the encounter.

‘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,’ said Maikaba.

On the motivation of his players, Maikaba, who led Akwa United to an Aiteo Cup triumph a

few years back, said, ‘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.’

Rangers will be chasing a 7th win in thirteen final appearances in the oldest club competition in the country after triumphing in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1981, 1983, and 2018.