May, 26 2023.
After failing in their quest to finish in the top 3 of Group B of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and qualify for the season-ending Super Six play-offs in Lagos, Doma United FC believes they are now compelled to focus one hundred percent on the National Federation Cup, with the aim of winning the trophy for the club and people of Gombe State.
A player of the team, Barnabas Daniel stated this while chatting exclusively with ckdmedia.ng after Doma United defeated Edel FC from Oba in Anambra State 2-1 in their Round of 16 fixture, played in Abuja, on Wednesday.
Daniels who joined promoted Doma United from Kwara United during the mid-season window; scored the second goal of the match, after Bide Owoku had put the side in front; as the NPFL club led 2-0 at halftime.
A much improved Edel FC side weathered the storm, and fought back gallantly until they pulled a goal back from the penalty spot, in the closing moments of the match, which ended 2-1.
Edel FC was the second team, after Ozzalla United (also from Anambra State) Doma faced in succession from the South East, and up next is Rangers International (from Enugu State), in the quarterfinals slated for this Sunday, at the Akure Township Stasium.
"As a promoted side we have learnt a lot in the NPFL and taken positives from our mistakes, like recent losses to Rivers United and Abia Warriors; but not minding their status as five-time winners, we will go to Akure with a lot of belief, that we can best Rangers. After all, upsets are the hallmark of Cup competitions. We will be ready for Rangers", Daniel said with optimism.
The other quarterfinal pairings of the 2023 Federation Cup will see former three-time winners Bendel Insurance (from Edo State take on NPFL Super Six rivals Sunshine Stars off Akure (Ondo State), at the Awka City Stadium; the lowest ranked side still in the competition, Warri Wolves (Delta State) and Lobi Stars (Benue State), who ousted Bendel Insurance Feeders 3-1 in a rain interrupted match, will clash at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, in Ijebu-Ode.
Meanwhile the NFF are still undecided about the specific choice of venue for the Plateau United of Jos (Plateau State) and Kwara United of Ilorin (Kwara State) encounter, in Abuja.
Tentatively, the NFF has listed the pitches at FIFA Goal Project and Area 3, Garki, Abuja.