NIGERIANS ‘LL SEE REAL ENYIMBA - JOHNSON
• Chief Anyansi of Enyimba
Enyimba midfielder, Chidozie Johnson, has admitted that Heartland would be a tough nut to crack in next weekend's Federation Cup epic final, but remains optimistic that his team would triumph at the end of the day.
The stocky player banks on Enyimba's impressive record whenever it reaches the final of any competition.
'Heartland has not won any trophy in the last 18 years. So, I expect them to come out smoking because they are desperate to win a title,' Johnson began in a telephone chat with League Unlimited.
'It is going to be an exciting final. Don't forget that the distance between Aba and Owerri is less than one hour and the rivalry between Enyimba and Heartland dates back in time.
'I also know that Heartland players are better motivated than we are, but we are driven by determination because we want to make names for ourselves to see if we can secure lucrative contracts abroad. I can assure you that Enyimba will emerge victorious at the end of the day because we have a record of not losing in the final of any competition.'
Reminded that Enyimba lost to Kaduna United in the final of last year's Federation Cup played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, Johnson replied: 'We were robbed of the trophy last year.
'The final was supposed to be played in Lagos, but it was changed to Kano at the last minute and everybody knew that Enyimba had an estranged relationship with Kano Pillars' fans then. We would have won the trophy fair and square if the final was played in Lagos as it was originally scheduled. This time round everybody will see the real Enyimba,' he boasted.
Johnson further revealed that Enyimba has its sights at both the Federation Cup and this year's CAF Champions League titles, just as he has not ruled out the possibility of making it a treble with the Premier League trophy.
'We have not given up on the league title. We still have four games to go and anything can happen. However, our main targets are the Federation Cup and the CAF Champions League trophy.