Akwa United and Lobi Stars will square up for the August 30, 2015 Federation Cup final following their semi-final victories against Nasarawa United and Rangers respectively.
The crucial FA cup final contest played on Wednesday saw the Uyo club snatching a 1-0 victory against hard-fighting Nasarawa United at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta. Although, Nasarawa United dominated possession, it was Aniekpeno Udoh’s 37th minute strike the sealed the victory and put the Uyo-based club on the cusp of winning its first Federations Cup title.
In the second semi-final decided at the Karkanda Stadium in Katsina, Lobi Stars stunned title favourites Enugu Rangers with a 1-0 defeat. Eche Idakwo scored the game’s only goal to ensure Rangers’ wait for a first title since 1984 continues.
The game took a controversial turn when Rangers were reduced to nine players after Rasaq Adegbite and Christian Madu received red cards in a tempestuous contest.
Expectedly, both sides are already optimistic about their chances of winning the coveted title on August 30 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
Lobi Stars head coach Justin Tenger has dubbed the final Cup clash against his former club (Akwa United) a must-win ‘grudge match’. “It’s clearly a grudge match between me, coach Justin Tenger and Akwa United; and I will not spare them even if the final will be played on the moon. I will surely beat them to make up for the bad treatment the side meted out to me,” Tenger declared.
His combatant and Akwa United, coach Zachary Baraje, however, declared that his wards are battle ready and would snatch victory against the Makurdi side in the finals. “I am not worried about who we meet in the final because I know we are a good side and should do well in the final,” he said.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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