THE coach of Prime Football Club, Shina Afolabi believes
his wards gave it all and deserved to knock Kano Pillars out of the 2016
edition of the prestigious Federation Cup.
The 'Believe and Achieve' side defeated the former
Nigeria Professional Football League champions 2-1 in a keenly contested Round
of 32 match decided at the Lokoja Confluence Stadium on Wednesday.
“Kano Pillars are a good side but Prime looks better and
deserves to win. We played against a more formidable side, more experienced but
our pre-match talk helped a lot,” Afolabi said.
However, Pillars gaffer, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, believes
his team gave away the match for lack of concentration and being wasteful in
front of goal.
“We have ourselves to blame, we gave away the match.
Prime is also a good side, and I think they can win the cup if they work hard.”
Captain Olabisi Olagunju headed the Omoluabi Giants in
front in the 26th before Lekan Oseolohun double the lead via a screamer that
cut Pillars goalkeeper Ibrahim Pius napping.
Ifeanyi Matthew reduced the deficit for Pillars in the
46th minute via goal mouth scramble.
The 2012 Federation Cup giant killers fought so hard and
defended so well in the second half to ensure Pillars trio Rabiu Ali, Prince
Aggreh and Gambo Mohammed from wrecking havoc as the Sai Masu Gida continue
their search for a first Federation Cup title.
It will be recalled that the Nigeria National League
(NNL) side, defeated Kano Pillars 3-1 on penalties in the third place of the
2012 Federation Cup in Lagos after the regulation time ended 1-1.
Afolabi is now confident his side can lift the coveted
Federation Cup trophy.
“Our target is to lift the cup, when you knocked out a
formidable side like Pillars, it means you have all it takes. We won't relent
in our efforts, until we win the trophy,” Afolabi told the club's media after
Wednesday's game.
Prime will battle Warri Wolves in the Round of 16 of
Nigeria’s oldest competition.
FEDERATION CUP RESULTS
Shooting Stars 3 - 0 Almar FC
Rivers United. 4 - 0 Kaduna United
Prime FC 2 - 1 Kano Pillars
Kogi United 1 - 2 Wikki Tourists
Sunshine Stars 1 - 1 Abia Comets (4-2)
FC IfeanyiUbah 1 - 0 Lobi Stars
Nasarawa United 1 - 0 Go Round FC
Crown FC 1 - 1 Niger Tornadoes (5-4)
Warri Wolves 3 - 0 Jigawa Stars (W/O)
ABS FC 0 V 1 Enugu Rangers* (Aband))
WOMEN’S ROUND OF 16
Sunshine Queens 3 - 0 Osun Babes
Mosco Queens 0 - 8 Nasarawa Amazons
Ibom Angels 0 -0 Delta Queens 0 (3-5)
Martin White Doves 0 - 3 Bayelsa Queens (W/O)
Warri Wolves 3 - 0 Jigawa Stars (W/O)
ABS FC 0 V 1 Enugu Rangers* (Aband))
WOMEN’S ROUND OF 16
Sunshine Queens 3 - 0 Osun Babes
Mosco Queens 0 - 8 Nasarawa Amazons
Ibom Angels 0 -0 Delta Queens 0 (3-5)
Martin White Doves 0 - 3 Bayelsa Queens (W/O)
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