By JOHN EGBOKHAN
For a club to win the Nigerian version of the English FA Cup back to back, shows that the team are the best in the country.

That is the verdict of Heartland captain, Chinedu Efugh, who on Sunday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, had the rare privilege of lifting the new Federation Cup trophy, donated by the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.

Indeed, it was the sports-loving Lagos Governor who amidst celebration and fanfare, presented the shinning giant trophy to the former Mighty Jets defender, who was nicknamed Mr. Utility by teammates because he can fit into any of the defensive positions.
The Abia State-born highly talented player, who has the knack for venturing forward to have a sniff at goal can never be overlooked in any set-up.

Born on Mar 30,1986,  Efugh, who has established himself at Heartland since his transfer from  Rangers, where he was captain for several seasons, was brimming with a wide grim as photojournalists clicked away as he lifted the trophy aloft.

Chinedu Efugh, Captain of Heartland FC of Owerri and team mates celebrating their victory in the 2012 FA Cup at Teslim Balogun Statium, Lagos. Heartland beat Lobi Stars of Markudi 2-1 to emerge winners. Photo by Sylva Eleanya. 26/8/2012.

Comfortable either in the heart of the defence or as a defensive midfielder, Efugh was excitedly omfortable with the many camera lights entering his eyes, as he joined the list of a a few class of captains, whose clubs, had successfully defended the competition once known as the Challenge Cup.

With six Champions League appearances under his belt, Efugh has seen his bit of the continent but on this night, it was the joy of retaining the Federation Cup that was on his mind.

Speaking later, Efugh said that Heartland’s feat was proof that the players can go great things if well supported.

“We worked hard for this victory. It did not come easy but because of the unity in the team, we have the cup in our hands”, Efugh said at the stadium.

And the morning after the triumph, Efugh, said in a radio interview that he slept like a giant because of the giant feat achieved by Heartland.

“I actually slept like a giant with the trophy by my side because the joy of winning the Federation Cup back to back was so much for me to hold. It was the best moment for me because to win this competition, you need to work hard and luck must be on your side.

“Many teams wanted to beat us because of the prestige associated to this competition and for us to win it again, made me feel like a giant and I had no choice that to sleep like one as the mission has been achieved, after all the troubles and sleepless nights”, added Efugh on Ray Power FM.

On the club’s next target, Efugh said that amongst other teams that they hope to join the likes of Rangers who won the Federation Cup thrice in a row. He said that feat was going to cement their place in the history books of Nigerian football.

“The hunger is in the team to go for a record tying third triumph in the Federation Cup. It is going to be very special to win it again next year and I am confident that we can win if we stay humble and united. As expected, most teams would be wishing for our fall but that is what football is about and we are up for whatever challenge that may come our way.

“We want to enter the history books of Nigerian football and with God on our side, this target would be achieved. We want to win for the good people of Imo State because they have always been praying for our success and we dedicate the cup to them”, Efugh added.