Today, history will be made at the Soccer Temple better known as the Agege Stadium in Lagos when Akwa United will file out against Niger Tornadoes in the maiden edition of the Aiteo Cup final, formerly called The Federation Cup which remains the oldest inter football club competition in Nigeria.
Akwa United made it to the final after defeating Halfa FC, Yobe Desert Stars, Shooting Stars, Katsina United Feeders and Sunshine Stars, scoring a whooping 23 goals while conceding just six in seven matches, making the Uyo Land-lords the highest scoring side of the current campaign.
On the other hand, Niger Tornadoes secured their place in the final after knocking out Elkanemi Warriors, FC Atete, league Champions Plateau United in the quarter final and last year's champions FC Ifeanyi Ubah in the semi final.
While this will be Tornadoes first national final in 17 years following their 1-0 win against Enugu Rangers in 2000, Akwa United is appearing in the final the second time in three years having defeated Lobi Stars 2-1 to win the 2015 edition.
With the two teams determined to get the last slot to continental football and an improved prize money of N25 million, Akwa United will hope to crown what has been the best season of football for the Promise Keepers in their 21 years of existence with the Aiteo Cup and a place in the continent after losing the third spot place to Enyimba FC in the league at the business end.
While pundits and the neutrals think the Uyo-based side will provide a better representation for the country in Africa with good footballers, experience coach, world class stadium and facilities, football-loving fans of Uyo and the football-friendly government in the state, Coach Abdu Maikaba has got to put all his eggs in this one basket to get nothing other than a win.
In the just concluded NPFL season, Akwa United finished 4th while Tornadoes was placed 11th and in their last four meetings, Akwa United has won twice and lost twice, scoring five goals and conceding four.
With old warriors like Captain Otobong Effiong, Ariwachukwu Emmanuel, Godspower Igudia, Paterne Counou and Ubong Friday who were part of the team that lifted the trophy two years ago and the experience of Super Eagles midfielders Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Aremu Afeez pulling the strings in the middle of the park, Forwards Musa Newman, Cyril Olisema, Christian Pyagbara who currently has 7 goals and another one today will make him the highest goal scorer in the last three seasons including goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke, The Promise Keepers should be able to calm the Tornadoes from Niger.
The stage is set, expectations are high and history beckons as the winner of the first Aiteo Cup will emerge today at the Soccer Temple before the watchful eyes of the CAF President Ahmad Ahmad and officials from FIFA as well as thousands of followers.
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