Akwa United silent Lobi, win 2015 Federation Cup

Coach of Nigeria Federation Cup winners Akwa United Zakary Baraje has vowed to quit should the club fail to sign new players and hold on to their best players ahead of next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.

Akwa Ibom UnitedFORMER champions, Lobi Stars of Makurdi, once again failed in their bid to win the Federation Cup for the second time when they were beaten 2-1 by Akwa United yesterday in Lagos.

Governor Emmanuel said he had approved the release of one hundred million naira for the settlement of outstanding financial commitments of the club and informed them that they have all it takes to make history stressing that “once the passion is right, nothing is impossible”.

Nonso Edo opened goal for Akwa United with a 36th minute free-kick which gave them the lead heading into the second half.

Akwa United increased the tally in the 68th minute through midfielder, Abdulafeez Awakan, who shot home from outside the area. The club will now represent Nigeria in the 2016 edition of the CAF Confederations Cup.

The goal from the rising dead ball specialist unsettled Lobi Stars, but the Dominic Iorfa boys quickly rallied together, with Moses Bunde leading the search for the equaliser.

In the closing stages of the game, Lobi Stars tried a comeback as substitute Barnabas Imengar Junior pulled a goal back from a brilliantly struck free kick.

“I am very happy winning the Federation Cup for the first time”.

“Our players did a fantastic job but it was unfortunate that we lost, ” Tenger said.

He also said sports centres and recreational facilities are now being developed across various centres in the state, which upon completion, he said, will service Akwa United Football Club and other teams operating in the state.

Earlier yesterday, Sunshine Queens of Akure defeated Bayelsa Queens 3-1 on penalties to emerge the winners of the women version of the 2015 Federation Cup trophy.