The 2017 Men and Women AITEO Cup came to an end last week. The two finals needed the lottery of penalties to produce the winner.
Akwa United defeated Niger Tornadoes 4-3 on penalties after 90 minutes ended 0-0 at the Agege Township Stadium. The final, watched by CAF President Ahmad Ahmad, didn’t live up to expectation with a drab show from both sides. Akwa United, who narrowly missed out of the continental places via the league, will now represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup with Enyimba.
Niger Tornadoes couldn’t add to their title in 2000 despite knocking out FC IfeanyiUbah the 2016 champions. Akwa United were also winners in 2015. Abdul Maikaba will be the happiest man in Nigeria now. He has now qualified two teams in two years to the continent.
Rivers Angels made up for their disappointing NWFL Super Four outing by defeating Ibom Angels 3-0 via penalties and full time ended 1-1. Ibom Angels were hoping to replicate the feat of Akwa United – the male team of Akwa Ibom state – but they would need to wait another season. Nasarawa Amazons emerged 2017 NWFL Champions – dethroning Rivers Angels to win their second title.
Last week, the NFF confirmed that the Super Eagles will play Argentina in a friendly in Krasnodar on November 14, 2017. It will be another Messi vs Mikel match. We know who has been wining but what matters is the ample preparation for Nigeria as they hope to do better in the World Cup in Russia.
Everyone wants to be in the World Cup – including Jordan Ibe. I don’t expect Tammy Abraham to be in Russia – unless as spectator – but their are other Nigerian players making waves in Europe. Paul Onuachu just scored his 50th goal for FC Midtjylland in Denmark while there is a Cyriel Dessers in Utrecht. We have quite a lot of talent around. Hopefully Rohr picks the best team to the finals.
That is all from Nigeria for last week.
SoccerGunz 