Federation Cup: Heartland, Enyimba, Pillars return to battlefields

Title holders, Heartland FC in their quest to win the Federation Cup for the third consecutive time, will today face Akwa United in the quarter-final of the competition billed for the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

Heartland, winners of the 2011 and 2012 editions of the competition otherwise known as the Challenge Cup stopped fellow Globacom Premier League campaigners, Sharks 4-3 via penalties after a 1-1 draw at regulation time, while Akwa United dumped Rangers 2-1.

Former champions, Enyimba of Aba face Nasarawa United at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta as Warri Wolves confront Kano Pillars at the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin, while giant-Killers, Akwa Starlets look forward to creating another upset today as they face a Globacom Premier League side, Lobi Stars at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.


Akwa Starlets, a national league side, it will be recalled, bundled two Globacom Premier League sides, Kwara United and Dolphins of Port Harcourt out of the competition before their 2-0 demolition of Abia Warriors in the Round of 16.

Speaking ahead of the Kaduna clash, veteran coach of Akwa United, Justin Tenger believes his side will show the defending champions the exit door today.

“We beat Rangers as consistent as they are and we are ready for any team now. In fact, I prefer playing against big teams because we already know what they could offer. So, we are comfortable facing Heartland and we are unstoppable,” said the Benue State-born tactician who won the Challenge Cup title with BCC Lions in 1997.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa, said his side won’t take it lightly with Akwa Starlets.