Afolabi says Prime deserve to knock Pillars out of Fed Cup

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)