Edel FC have emerged champions of the 2025 Neros Pharmaceuticals Anambra Football Association (FA) Cup.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the ‘Galloping Zebras’ saw off the defending Champions Solution FC, 2-0 via penalty shootouts after 90 minutes of regulation time in a pulsating encounter played at the Neros Stadium Nanka
Goalkeeper Victor Iloka emerged the undisputed hero of the day as Edel FC
went home with two million naira prize as champions of competition.
Iloka saved all the four kicks by Solution FC while Edel scored twice from the spot, thus, leaving the final scoreline at 2-0 for the new champions.
Solution FC who were looking to defend the trophy they won in the 2024 edition, settle for the second prize of N1million.
Peace FC who finished third went home with the prize money of N500 thousand after seeing off Ozalla FA earlier on in the day by a lone goal.
Chibuzor Ekeocha of Solution FC who scored three goals in the competition emerged as the Highest Goal Scorer while Chuddy Onyeka of Edel FC claimed the prize for the most valuable player of the tournament.
ANN recall that Solution FC, in their first attempt last year, edged Edel FC in the final to take home the silver trophy. But it wasn’t to be this time out as Edel FC tightly screwed their heads unto their neck, cutting every shade of the grass in their resolve to avenge their 2024 defeat.
Solution FC would have themselves to blame for their players ungentlemanly conduct which ensured they were reduced to 9-men in the closing stages of the thrilling contest.
“Forst, I must give credit to God for my ability to save penalty kicks today”, Iloka exclusively told Exclusivenews.com.ng after his heroics handed Edel FC their first ever NEROS/ANSFA Cup.
“I’m happy that I was able to save those kicks which has helped my club, Edel FC to win the cup. I used to read the player coming to take the kick first, then I guess his direction of kick and then dive to cut it out.
“Yes, I train for it always and above all, I was a midfielder before I turned to goalkeeping. I those things combine together to help me”, Obosi born Iloka said.
Coach Hamza Abdulazeez Abara, who has just been with Edel for slightly over a week, went on Cloud 9 after the game.
“I’ve not lost any Cup final before and I’m happy we won today. It feels good to start my tenure as Edel FC coach with the FA Cup win and I believe it’s a sign of better days to come for Edel FC”, Coach Abara said.
Similarly, Team Manager of the club, Myckie Chukwuebuka, pointed out that the FA Cup win will usher in an era of success for the team.
The club boss believes the victory will mark a remarkable turning point for the club in their determination to cruise to safety in their NNL campaign.
“Personally, I’m happy for this win. The first major trophy for me in football administration. It is a reward of hard work.
“Obviously, it has not been a good season for us in the league. We came in here on paper as underdogs but the willingness and desire to win was evident in the way we played from minute one by our players.
“I thank them for the efforts. I also thank the club hierarchy that I represent led by the President and owner, Chief Jude Edeh and the Director, Dr Vincent Okparaka.
“I hope that this will be the necessary tonic for positive results in our matches going forward.
“I dedicate this win to the Club Hierarchy, Coaches and Players”, the young Team Manager concluded with a gale of joy.
