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The Federation Cup was contested this weekend with typically widespread apathy surrounding Nigeria's oldest cup competition
Just this Sunday, the 71st Nigerian FA Cup (christened the Federation Cup) final was contested at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. You could be forgiven for not being aware of this, so low key was the buildup. In many ways, the lack of buildup was indicative of the modest profile of the contesting teams: FC Ifeanyi Ubah are relatively new on the block, and their nouveau riche incarnation under their business mogul owner does little to repair a lack of pedigree even under their previous Gabros guise. Their penalty shootout victory secured the first bit of silverware in their history. Nasarawa United, for their part, have enjoyed a bit of a surge in relevance in recent times, and are now established as one of the NPFL's top seven sides. Even then, they lack the clout of the league’s most traditional powerhouses.
So perhaps it is no surprise that there was so little buzz.
The circumstances surrounding their runs to the final also somewhat conditioned the perception of the game; like a bastard scorned, this final was the ugly progeny of a flawed process, and was ignored in the same way, as though indifference would make it less real, less 'there'. In particular, the unsavoury scenes that ensued following FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s win over Crown FC in the semi-final in Kaduna cast a dark shadow over their presence in the showpiece. A late goal for the Ogbomosho side was ruled out, despite seeming perfectly legitimate for all intents and purposes.
Look at this in light of their benefactor’s alleged involvement with the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, and it appears even murkier. Whether or not these allegations are unfounded is up for debate, but the NFF have done little to entrench transparency or disperse doubt.
Congratulations to our African partners @FCIfeanyiUbah and @Dr_IfeanyiUbah on winning the Nigerian Federation Cup for the first time!
The seeming apathy of even the NFF towards its own competition creates a sharp contrast with the league, administered by the League Management Company. It is hardly the finished product, but the LMC have made giant strides in the last three years, and have improved the league’s brand, image, and appeal well beyond the low point from which they were. The same cannot be said for the Federation Cup - it continues to be without a title sponsor, which is odd considering the tradition and longevity of the competition.
FT @FCIfeanyiUbah 0-0 @Nasarawaunited ( Penalties 5-4) The Anambra Warriors are 2016 Nigeria Federation Cup Champions! #NFFFedCup2016
None of the games leading up to the final were broadcast on television, so there is no sense of communal identification with either team.
The question inevitably arises: if the NFF do not care about their own baby, why should anyone else?
Until the NFF give pride of place back to their competition, there will continue to be apathy toward it. The current format makes things even worse: games are played at neutral venues in far flung reaches of the country, creating a logistical nightmare and making it practically impossible to carry out oversight. The competition would surely benefit from having its games played at one venue from the quarter-final or semi-final onwards (amusingly, the nation’s football administrators seem to have this idea down pat when it comes to seasonal curtain raisers like the ‘Super Four’), and building up anticipation around it.
England, for all its football culture, does exactly the same, creating a showpiece - “We’re going to Wembley,” the fans cry, and that same triumphal feeling can and should be grafted onto our very own. To the victor go the spoils; FC Ifeanyi Ubah's triumph has earned them a spot in next year's Caf Confederation Cup, alongside league third-place finishers Wikki Tourist.
However, considering their inexperience on the continent, and the recent failings of Nigerian clubs in African competition, few will be holding their breath in anticipation of an excellent campaign. With neither the reward nor the spectacle capable of making us dream, thereby short-circuiting the “magic of the Cup”, why should we care anyway?
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