Aiteo Cup: 'Final before Final' as Enyimba battle Kano Pillars For Semifinal Ticket

Clash of giants as Pillars battle Enyimba in Aiteo Cup quarter-final in Gombe By Admin The last quarter-final match in this year’s Aiteo Federation Cup will be staged tomorrow (Sunday) between Kano Pillars and Enyimba FC of Aba at the Pantami stadium in Gombe. Football pundits have tagged the clash between the two heavyweights in Nigerian football as the final before final. It is said whoever emerges victorious in tomorrow’s match will go all the way to the finals to be played on October 14 at the Late Stephen Keshi stadium Asaba. In the other three quarter final matches already decided, Enugu Rangers defeated defending champions Akwa United 4-2 on penalties, Katsina United edged out Kwara United 3-1 while Nasarawa United pipped El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0. Consequently, Rangers will play Nasarawa United in Kano in the first semi-final while the winner between Kano Pillars and Enyimba will lock horns with Katsina United in the second semi-final to be decided in Lagos. Tomorrow’s match promises to be an entertaining fixture as the two teams parade some of the best players in the Nigerian professional football league. In a chat with BSNSports.com.ng on Saturday, 2018 NPFL highest goalscorer, Junior Lokosa of Kano Pillars said it is going to be a very difficult match for both sides. He said Enyimba’s showing in the ongoing Confederation Cup is a proof that they are in good form and they stand up to any club in Nigerian football. Lokosa however said Pillars are hoping to cross the quarter-final hurdle to reach the finals. “It will surely be a very difficult match for both teams. Without doubt, Enyimba will give us a good match. “If you look at what they have achieved in this year’s Confederation Cup, you will discover that they are in top form. “I am ready to give my best performance to see that Kano Pillars reach the final,” he said. On his part, Enyimba striker Ibrahim Mustapha said Pillars should be ready to labour for victory, if at all they are going to win. He said despite their congested fixtures in recent times, Enyimba are ready to go all the way in the competition. “Everybody knows we have been stretched to the fullest in recent times but we are not giving up. “We won’t use fatigue as excuse. As professionals, we are ready to face what is before us. “I believe Pillars know the team they are going to face. As we are not expecting an easy match, I believe they also know it won’t be a stroll in the park for them,” he said.