Akwa United win first Federation Cup trophy after beating Lobi Stars
Akwa United secured a historic first Federation Cup trophy after edging out Lobi Stars 2-1 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Sunday.
It was another disappointing outing in the final of the oldest competition in the country for Lobi Stars who have now lost in three finals following defeats to Enyimba in 2005 and Heartland in 2011.
Nnamso Edo underlined his prowess as one of the best dead ball specialists in the domestic scene by curling home a beautiful free kick from the edge of the Lobi box nine minutes before the break to put Akwa United ahead.
Akwa United started the game on the front foot with danger man Aniekpeno Udoh curling a shot over the cross bar. Lobi Stars took time to settle into the game and it was the impressive Moses Bunde who carved out their first real chance of the game.
Bunde was however denied by the opposing goalkeeper, Olufemi Kayode.
Edo fired the Promise Keepers ahead in 36th minute after Udoh was tripped close to the 18 yard box. Lobi made an instant change with Nanen Imenger replacing the ineffective Iloh Uche.
Terna Ikpeen also came off for Mohammed Farouk Umar as the Pride of Benue searched for the equaliser. Instead it was Akwa United’s midfielder, Abdulafeez Awakan who blasted the ball home from outside the area to increase his side’s lead in the 69th minute.
The Uyo-based outfit however had to endure a nervy end to the game with Imenger pulling a goal back for Lobi Stars through a free-kick. They however held on to win their first Federation Cup to the delight of their fans who travelled all the way from Uyo to support the team.
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