Even before the blast of the
referee痴 whistle that is expected to indicate the kick-off of the
Coca-Cola FA Cup semi-final between Ocean Boys and Enyimba on Sunday,
the war between the two top-rated clubs may have commenced days before
the clash. The clubs are already hurling missiles of words at each
other to create some psychological imbalance in their opposing squad.
The cold war was first noticed a
few days ago when the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) announced
that the two semi-final matches would hold at the Dan Anyiam Stadium
in Owerri. Immediately after the announcement, Ocean Boys reacted,
rejecting the choice of the venue, citing that it was a few minutes
drive away from Aba, the home of their opponents, Enyimba. The media
officer of the Yenagoa outfit (name) while speaking with Sporting
Champion, gave an instance where a bloody fracas ensued between the
fans of Heartland, who were based in Owerri and the fans of Enyimba
who could travel easily to the Owerri venue, in a Gobacom Premier
League match. Ogunbona thus requested that the venue be moved to an
alternative venue where the safety of Ocean Boys and their fans are
ensured.
In a swift reaction to the call,
the media officer of Enyimba, Tonnex Chukwu, asked the public to
disregard the request of Ocean Boys, saying it was a coy to deceive
the populace. Chukwu told Sporting Champion that Ocean Boys
were already in Owerri days before the match, calling for support from
football fans.
I知 surprised that Ocean Boys
are asking for change of venue, it is Enyimba that should be asking
for protection from Owerri fans. Ocean Boys are just deceiving
everybody that they don稚 feel safe in Owerri. As I知 speaking with
you, I can see Ocean Boys officials and players calling for support.
We are all in Owerri now, and we
can see each other. I知 using this opportunity to call on NFA to
disregard the coward request," Chukwu concluded.
Meanwhile, the NFA has made it
known that it does not plan to change the venue of the match slated to
hold on Sunday. The media officer of the NFA, Demola Olajire, in a
chat with Sporting Champion said the venue had been designated about a
year ago for the matches that it was just unfortunate for Ocean Boys
to start complaining at this stage Olajire said:
"I知 just surprised that Ocean
Boys are complaining at this state. Dan Anyiam stadium has been chosen
to host these matches since last, so why complain now. I値l just say
it categorically; NFA does not intend to change the venue.
