Benin secured a place in the on-going zone C Copa Coca-Cola youth tourney in style, with a commanding 4-1 win over Asaba at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Thursday.
Emmanuel Bakare grabbed a brace, while Nicholas Odemwingie and Innocent James claimed a goal apiece as the Benin lads ended any hope of the Asaba-side beating them for a place in Friday’s final.
In the 15th minute, Benin was ahead after Nicholas Odemwinge teed up the shot for Bakare and he produced a lovely finish. Asaba responded with an equaliser when Benin goalkeeper fumbled in a weak shot into the net.
Benin responded to that setback with goals from Bakare, Precious and Innocent James.
They will be meeting Enugu, last year’s finalist, for a repeat encounter. Enugu piped Owerri 1-0. Ebuka’s 11th-minute strike from the edge of the area gave Calistus Ibe’s side the edge in the cagey encounter.
Benin coach, Douglas Idahosa, said that his boys are hoping to avenge last year’s 1-0 defeat suffered in the hands of Enugu when they lock horns in today’s epic final at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.
Two early goals from Emmanuel Bakare and further strikes from Nicholas Odemwingie and Innocent James gave Benin a 4-1 win over visiting Asaba and the former youth internationals is eyeing another rout against the defending champions Enugu.
“We will be playing in front our home crowd which is a huge advantage for us,” Idahosa said. “These boys have not been exposed to such high standard which Copa Coca Cola has offered them but I promise you there will be no hiding place for Enugu because it’s a must win for us.”
Meanwhile Coach Callistus Ibe played down any speculation of a grudge game, adding that his team is the underdog going into the finals.
“We didn’t play to the level of what is expected of us today but that doesn’t mean that we will allow them run over us,” Ibe began.
“We are coming as underdogs and we will shock them again like we did last year. I have spotted lots of weaknesses in the Benin team that we will be exploiting,” he added.
