Coach Amosa Adisa, the ex-Super Eagles Goalkeeper trainer alongside Mr. Hammed Adio, an ex-sprinter and veteran sports journalist, has voiced their disappointment with the diminishing prestige of the Federation Cup, formerly known as the Challenge Cup, in recent years.
The ex-international and the seasoned journalist highlighted that during their respective engagements with Nigerian football, the Challenge Cup held a revered status as a highly prestigious tournament, unlike its current state where it has lost much of its allure.
Adisa and Adio attributed this decline to the overwhelming focus of fans on foreign clubs, neglecting the support for local club sides.
However, they reminisced about the fervent support witnessed in the 70s when European football was not as popular in Africa, recalling instances where stadiums would be packed hours before kick-off.
Urging a shift in mentality, Adisa and Adio emphasized the importance of fans rallying behind local leagues to restore the lost glamour of the Challenge Cup and other domestic competitions.
Reflecting on their favorite Challenge/Federation Cup memory, Adisa cited the 1971 clash between Shooting Stars and Rangers as the toughest and most captivating encounter, with Adio corroborating the sentiment.
As Adisa and Adio reminisce about the enchanting days of Nigerian football, they pose a poignant question: Can the nation recapture the magic and fervor of yesteryear’s Challenge Cup?
