Wednesday, 15 June 2016

Federation Cup: NPFL teams face tough test

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The Federation Cup resumes on Wednesday with Nigeria topflight sides hoping to book a place to the next round of the competition
Kano Pillars Vs Prime FC
Prime FC's Ayo Ojo, Olushola Akilapa and Damola Fakayode are expected to be a thorn in the flesh of Kano Pillars when they meet on Wednesday.
Both teams met in the third place match of the 2011 edition with Prime FC winning after 90 minutes.
Kano Pillars have been struggling in the Nigeria Professional Football League and they are expected to face a stern test from the Osogbo based outfit who feature in the lower league.
Prime FC defeated amateur side Inneh Stars in the round of 64 while Sai Masu Gida dismissed Gateway United.

Rivers United Vs Kaduna United
Both teams go into this game with the aim of securing victories having emerged victories in their last league outings.
Rivers United recorded a 4-1 against MFM FC, while Kaduna United defeated Mighty Jet of Jos in a week three Nigeria National League game.
Stanley Eguma’s Rivers United defeated Papilo FC 4-3 in Uyo while Kaduna United humbled Lagos base Bridge FC 3-1 in Lokoja.

3SC Vs  Almar FC
Gbenga Ogunbote will continue his reform at 3SC this time in the Federation Cup. Coming from a morale boosting win against Enyimba FC who they've failed to beat in the last season could propel them to another win in Lagos.
3SC aren't strangers to the Agege stadium, the Oluyole Warriors will face amateur side,  Almar FC; on paper this fixture will be an easy ride for the NPFL team.  Almar from Ogun state walked over FC Zamfara in the round of 64.
Ibrahim Ajani scored the only goal in Sunday's win will be key in this encounter alongside midfield general, Cletus Itodo and striker Sunday Olatunji.


Akwa United Vs Kwara United 
Basking from an important draw in Lagos against Ikorodu United the Promise Keepers will still miss the services of midfielder, Yusuf Adio who just returned to training from an injury.
Both teams know each other well having played in the NPFL but for the Harmony Warriors knows that a promotion ticket remains a priority though Akwa United may be under pressure to defend the title they won in 2015.

Sunshine Stars Vs Abia Comets
Sunshine Stars struggled to secure a late win at home against Lobi Stars in the NPFL while Abia Comets bowed 2-0 at Akwa Starlet in the Nigeria National League.
Both teams secured a 2-0 win in the round of 64 against Giwa FC and Nembe City respectively.

FC IfeanyiUbah Vs Lobi Stars 
The UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar will come alive when FC Ifeanyi Ubah play hosts to Lobi Stars in the Round of 32.
Both teams come into this clash after defeats in the NPFL. Lobi Stars went down to Sunshine Stars, while Ifeanyi Ubah lost 4-2 to Nasarawa United.

MFM FC Vs Katsina United
On paper this will be an easy stroll for NPFL outfit, MFM FC while Katsina United who play in the third tier would be seeking an upset.
The Olukoya Boys have enough fire power in Onuwa Chukwuka and Stephen to cage Katsina United.

Kogi United Vs Wikki Tourists
A win for Kogi United will be a headliner but that may not come cheap against Wikki Tourist, who have gone six matches unbeaten and also boast Godwin Obaje who is leading on the goals scorer's chat with 13 goals.

ABS FC Vs Enugu Rangers
Coach, Imama Amapakabo knows that only a trophy this season for Enugu Rangers will ensure their season is considered a success.
Enugu Rangers were close in the last edition of the Federation Cup, the Flying Antelopes made it to the last four but in Bauchi on Wednesday they'll face old foes, ABS FC.

Nasarawa United Vs Go Round FC  
Nasarawa United's striker, Abdul Rahman Bashir who scored in the 4-2 mauling of FC Ifeanyi Ubah on Sunday is confident that the Solid Miners will continue with that fine form when they face Go Round FC.
Go Round will be happy that they are at this stage of the Federation Cup. The Port-Harcourt based team defeated amateur side,  You've Desert 3-1 but an extra effort is needed when they face Nasarawa United, who reached the last four on 2015.

El-Kanemi Warriors Vs Enyimba
Former champions, Enyimba FC surrendered the title they won in 2014 but they were handed a bye in the previous round.
Fellow NPFL team, El-Kanemi Warriors dispatched amateur side, Katsina Feeders 2-0. Abuja offers both teams balance support.
Enyimba have enough options going into this match, Theophilus Afelokhai may keep his shirt between the sticks while Chinedu Udoji keeps his captain arm band. Joeseph Osadiaye, Ezekiel Bassey, Kelly Kester are all available for selection.

However, the game has been postponed owing to the People's Elephants' Caf Champions League game against Zamalek on Sunday.

Top World FC Vs J. Atete FC 
Two Giants killers will go head -to-head in the Round of 32, as Top World hosts J. Atete
This season Top World FC have knocked out Heartland FC and they'll be faced with yet another challenge in J. Atete, who defeated Akwa Starlet by a lone goal.
Cup football usually springs up a few surprises and either of these lower league outfits could be a real force in the competition just Kukuruku FC proved last season.

Dynamite FC Vs Flash Flamingoes    
Dynamite Force from Edo State recorded an 8-1 win over Damaturu FC, while Flash Flamingoes need 5-4 win via penalty shoot-out after the match against Rovers ended 1-1.
Following, Dynamite's emphatic win in the Round of 64, they come into the encounter as favourites to progress to the Last 16.

Warri Wolves Vs Jigawa Stars
Jigawa Golden Stars will be up for their first match in the 2016 Federation Cup after they were awarded walk over Gashaka Buffaloes in the round of 64.
However, they will now face a Warri Wolves side that just left Kano with a point in the NPFL.
Wolves secure their spot in the Round of 32, after coming from behind to secure a 3-2 win over Yarmalight FC.

Dreams FC Vs Plateau United
NPFL side, Plateau United may not reach the last four in the competition, but getting to the last eight is definitely their forte.
Dream FC defeated Akwanga Selected via penalties while Plateau United humbled Zara FC 4-0.

Crown FC Vs Niger Tornadoes
Niger Tornadoes new signing, Anthony Abawula stated that focus is key to securing victory when they face Crown FC.
Based on the opposition both teams met in the first round, it's expected that Crown FC have the upper hand going into this encounter.

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