By Victor Enyinnaya on October 15, 2017

Expectations of a titanic battle are high as Akwa United and Niger Tornadoes of Minna clash this afternoon in the 2017 Aiteo Federations Cup final at Agege Stadium, Lagos. Both teams have already hit town talking tough on their expectations for the oldest yearly football summit in the land. The boys from Uyo arrived Lagos Friday, October 13, 2017 fully prepared for the battle.

The side, desperate for a slot in Africa via the in CAF Confederations Cup competition, would go out for the kill. However, their opponents, Niger Tornadoes, are no pushovers.

Yes, Akwa United finished fourth last season in the Nigerian Premier League (NPFL) despite being rated during the beginning of the season as one of the favourites for the top spot. Book makers, pundits and other informed commentators believe that the sympathy of many big wigs lie with the team from Akwa Ibom, the state that has contributed much to the qualification of the country for the Russia 2018 World Cup tournament. However, the other school of thought insists that the better side must carry the day despite any kind of sentiment among fans.

Tornadoes turned back highly rated FC Ifeanyi Uba, who were the defending champions, thus boosting their confidence ahead of today’s finals. The game ended 4-3. Akwa Utd despite its intimidating line-up of stars will be in for it today. It is anticipated that it will be an evening to behold watching and cheering beautiful football where only the fittest and the bench that got it right from the blast of the referee’s whistle will carry the day.

It looks as if there won’t be much chances but the side that utilises the few that come its way will not be far away from singing the victory song. The two sides are old customers both playing in the country’s most elite class. They will approach the game with caution, each bench studying and thinking ahead how to get the better side of each other. Akwa on paper looks set for it but their undoing will be to underrate the lads that have proved that FA Cup – as the competition is also known – remains a champ of surprises.

The Promise Keepers, as Akwa United are also known, defeated Sunshine Stars 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in the second leg semi-final fixture last Sunday to secure a Cup final.

Very respected Kano State-based FIFA Referee, Bashir Salisu, will be at the centre this evening at Agege Stadium. Salisu, who was badged in 2016, will be assisted by Bauchi State-based Peter Ogwu and Abdulmajeed Usman Olajide of Oyo State Referees Council as Assistant Referee 1 and 2 respectively.  Both are FIFA referees.

On the bench is Ago Abubakar of Yobe State Referees Council, who is on the track to witness his last game as a FIFA referee. Kwara State Referees Council member, Emmanuel Dada Obafemi, a retired FIFA Referee, will be the Referee Assessor, while Head of NFF Refereeing Unit/Secretary of the NFF Referees Committee, Sani Zubairu, another retired FIFA Referee, will act as the Match Officials Coordinator.

These men have proved to be among the best Nigeria can present and with them in charge, the stage is set for scintillating football.

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 15, 2017

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