Federation Cup Preview: Lobi Stars, Rivers United tie headlines quarterfinal fixtures
Four teams will emerge from the Federation Cup encounters which will be played across Nigeria on Friday
Rivers United trade tackles with Lobi Stars for a place in the semifinal of the Federation Cup at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode on Friday, a clash which would have been a fitting final.
With only three top-flight teams remaining in this year’s competition – The Pride of Rivers, the Pride of Benue and Kano Pillars – a maximum of two will make it to the last four.
There was furore over the choice of Ijebu Ode as match venue over fans protests and the fact Stars often used the facilities for training, but an official Rivers United protest was dismissed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“We sat on the protest lodged by Rivers United and we unanimously agreed that it lacked merit because both teams are not from Ogun State,” Football House head of competition Emmanuel Adesanya told Goal.
“We also found out that both teams have made use of the facilities at the Ijebu Ode before for their closed camping so the analogy that Lobi Stars will have an advantage does not sound logical.
“We have upheld the use of Ijebu Ode’s Dipo Dina Stadium for the game and any team that doesn’t comply with the arrangement risks elimination and further sanctions.
“We are going to ensure adequate security and fair officiating because the Ogun State FA and the Nigeria Referee Association have both been called upon to ensure that. We are in the quarterfinal of the competition and we desire the best.”
Both teams are in good form, after Rivers United dispatched the 2015 and 2017 champions of the Federation Cup, Akwa United in the round of 32, before beating Warri Wolves in the last round in Yenagoa.
Lobi Stars have not been quiet either – they defeated the reigning champions, Enugu Rangers, in the Round of 32, before coming back from a goal down to beat Abia Warriors 3-1 in the Round of 16.
In the remaining matches, Niger Tornadoes will face one of the surprise teams of the 2019 edition, Smart City, while Bendel Insurance, who were demoted on the final day of the NPFL season, will hope to extend their impressive run with a fixture against Plateau United’s conquerors, Calabar Rovers.
The final quarterfinal tie will see 2018 Federation Cup finalists Kano Pillars take on Aklosendi FC in Kaduna.
Federation Cup Quarterfinal fixtures and Venues
Friday, June 28, 2019
Lobi Stars Vs Rivers United (Ijebu Ode)
Niger Tornadoes Vs Smart City (Ilorin)
Bendel Insurance Vs Calabar Rovers (Enugu)
Kano Pillars Vs Aklosendi (Kaduna)
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