Abdu Maikaba tasks Rangers to sustain form against Kano Pillars in Federation Cup

By Wale Mustapha

Technical Adviser of Rangers Int’l, Abdu Maikaba has urged his boys to replicate their recent run of form in the Nigeria Premier Football League when take on Kano Pillars in the Round of 32 of Federation Cup.

The national’s biggest competition will rekindle the rivalry between two old horses in Nigerian football in battle for a Round of 16 place when they meet at practice pitch of FIFA Goal Project in Abuja on Wednesday.

Rangers are without defeat in seven consecutive matches in the Nigerian topflight, including a recent 0-0 draw with newcomers Doma United in Gombe on Sunday.

While, Kano Pillars are not doing badly in their Nigeria National League campaign, having won four of their last five matches in the second tier division.

Both sides got to this stage of the national competition without a kick of the ball as their opponents failed to show up in the round of 64, with Rangers walking over Adamawa United, while Ilaji FC failed to show up against Pillars.

An optimistic former Akwa United gaffer urges his side look more focus ahead of the match and believed the Flying Antelopes have all it takes to win the match.

“It is going to be tough but I am optimistic that my players will do the needful on the pitch against a side that we defeated in the finals five years ago,” Maikaba told club media.

“My optimism is drawn from the fact that we have been playing well lately, going seven matches unbeaten and the understanding in the playing ranks is high.

“We are approaching the match like a cup final because there is no second chance in the Federation Cup.”

Rangers are looking forward to a repeat of the 2018 finals where the Enugu side came from three goals down to level in the last 12 minutes and went on to be crowned Federation champions 4-3 on penalty kicks against Kano Pillars.