Akwa United wins First Major Trophy… As Sunshine Queens Win Women’s Fed Cup

NPFL side Akwa United were crowned Champions of the Federations Cup after defeating their counterparts 2-1 in the Final at the main bowl of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

The game started pretty slowly with both teams trying to size each other up, but it was Akwa United who drew the first blood when Namso Edo curled in a delightful free-kick to the left hand of Ekoi the Lobi stars Goalie who couldn’t make a save to put the Uyo team ahead in the game after 36 minutes. Akwa United would have doubled their lead in the first 45th if not for their lackluster nature in front of goal.

Lobi Stars expectedly, started the second half with so much intent as they looked to claw their way back into the game but it was not to be as MOTM award winner Abdulhafeez Awakan blasted home the second of the night off a corner kick, to further assure the fans of Akwa United that the federations cup will be going to Akwa Ibom.

Substitute Barnabas Imenga scored what proved to be a consolation goal as Lobi Stars lost out on a place to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederations Cup.

Akwa United have now won their first major trophy since inception, and alongside Nassarawa United, they will now represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederations Cup.

2015 Federation Cup Winners Akwa United FC, football, Nigeria. photo credit Alonge Akinlolu

It was also good news for people in Akure as Sunshine Queens on the back of their defeat last season to Rivers Angels, won this year Federations Cup women’s final with 3-1 via penalty kicks against Bayelsa Queens after they both played 1-1 after regulation time.

Crowd control has been a major issue in the recent Federations Cup Finals but this year was different entirely as all security agents alongside the LSFA worked assiduously to ensure Nigeria had a hitch free Federations Cup Final and also worthy winners.

Ademola Adejuwon

FEDERATION CUP: AKWA UNITED GET “EXECUTIVE ORDER”

Akwa United football club have been given an executive order by the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom, to do everything possible, to bring the Trophy home, when they face Lobi Stars on Sunday in the Final of the event at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

The Governor did not mince words, as he expressly ordered the players of the club to go to Lagos and beat Lobi Stars in the finals of the 2015 tournament, when he hosted the players to a breakfast meeting on Wednesday at the Government house, Uyo.

“I am coming for the game against Lobi Stars in Lagos. I want you to go and bring back the trophy. The state is waiting patiently for the trophy, Udom said.

“I know you have a good team that can make all of us in Akwa Ibom smile. This is the first time, a club from the state will qualify for the final of the Federation Cup and I want you to make it count this time”

Federations Cup

Meanwhile, Lobi United Captain, Terna Ikpeen has assured that the team will beat Akwa Ibom team when they clash on Sunday.

Ikpeen insists that they have a better team and will emerge Champions of the competition this year.

“We have a good team. We are ready for this match. We have prepared for the game, and we are going to triumph on Sunday. The motivation is there for us and everything is set for us to become champions on Sunday”