By Yemi Babalola, Lagos
Akwa United on Sunday 15 October 2017 emerged champions of the AITEO Cup (formerly known as the Federations Cup). The team defeated Niger Tornadoes 3-2 via Penalties, after playing goalless at full time.
Knowing that both teams are former champions of the competition with Niger Tornadoes winning the title 17 years ago and Akwa United just two seasons ago did prove that it would be a tough cracker between both sides. With Tornadoes starting vibrantly in both halves of the match. The match saw both sides having chances that were not converted into a goal during the fixture until it took penalties to decide who would scoop the title.
During the spot kicks, Niger Tornadoes were able to convert just two of their five spot kicks. While Akwa united on their part converted three with substitute Okechukwu Gabriel scoring the decider for his side.
The Most valuable player of the competition was Akwa’s goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke, who was also awarded the Goalkeeper of the tournament. As teammate, Christian Pyagbara was the highest goal scorer of the competition.
Akwa United having won this title would be joining former league champions Enyimba on the continent at the CAF Confederations Cup next season. Speaking about why teams representing Nigeria on the continent do not do so well, Coach of Akwa United Abdu Maikaba advised that ‘’teams should plan well, avoid mistakes like overhauling the whole team, that would eliminate the issue of continuity in the team.Overhauling the whole team it means it’s another build up and it would take time, so it is better to do it with the players that achieved this feat’’.
The final had in attendance the CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad, the governors of Lagos and Akwa Ibom, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Governor Emmanuel Udom respectively. Other football dignitaries in attendance are the NFF President Amaju Melvin Pinnick, NFF Vice Presidents, LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko, and Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.
