The 25,000-capacity Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, capital of Delta State comes alive on Wednesday as Enugu Rangers slug out with Kano Pillars for the third edition of the Aiteo Cup final.
Kano Pillars beat Katsina United 4-1 on penalties after it ended 2-2 at 90 minutes, while Enugu Rangers International beat Nasarawa United 4-2 in the semi-final of the Aiteo Cup 2018 played on Wednesday, October 10 as both winners booked their respective places in the final.
Rangers have won the cup five times in the past when it was known as the Challenge Cup.
That was in 1974, 1975, 1976,1981 and 1983.
They reached the final on three occasions in 2000, 2004 and 2007 but amazingly lost to Niger Tornadoes (0-1 in 2000), Dolphins (now RIVERS United 0-1 in 2004) and Dolphins (again) in 2007 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 regulation time scoreline.
Five players to look out for But singe the annual showpiece was rechristened Aiteo Cup, last year, Akwa United became the proud first winners unfortunately crashed out in the quarterfinals following a 4-2 defeat by Rangers.
Kano Pillars, on their part, have found the Aiteo Cup a most turbulent RIVERS to Ford in the past. The last time Pillars lifted the trophy was in 1953 and ever since, never made it to the grand finale.
Meanwhile, Rivers Angels Women Football Club of Port Harcourt on Tuesday in Yenagoa won the 2018 Women’s Aiteo Cup competition by beating Ibom Angels of Uyo 1-0.
Juliet Sunday’s 48th minute goal gave Rivers Angels the victory. Rivers Angels went home with N10 million in cash prize, while Ibom Angels got N5 million as runners-up. (NAN)
