From a tumultuous group stage that saw Kano Pillars start slowly, Kwara United cruising through the motions, Rivers United flirting with elimination and Abia Warriors’ last effort could not safe them. Harmony Boys on goals superiority send Masu Gida nearer home to represent Lagos group in Gombe.
Another knockout stage of the 2018 aiteo Cup competition comes up on Wednesday October 3 2018. Kwara United, Lagos group leader, will host Katsina United, Gombe group runner up at Agege Soccer Temple.
Both teams had met in three previous matches including two times in Nigeria National League [NNL], and ones in Nigeria Professional Football League [NPFL].
In 2013/2014 Nigeria National League Kwara United and [Spotlight FC] Katsina United were drawn in group ‘A’.
On 26th April, 2014, Kwara United hosted [Spotlight FC] Katsina United and drubbed them 5 goals to nothing. In the encounter, Segun Alebiosu [the son of Tyger] was on rampage, he was everywhere, he moved like greese lightning throughout the duration of the match, he was just whimsically amusing, occasionally comical, but pragmatic. His undaunted courage propelled him to hit the back of the net at 25′, 52′, 74′ and 90+2′. He did not stop at that, he assisted a goal too at 32′, can Segun do that for us again? Your Lagos fans are anxiously waiting, I never doubted his capacity, he did it few days ago against Abia despite being warriors.
Despite the deficit, Katsina United did not go to sleep, they worked relentlessly towards the day of reckoning and when it came on 18th September, 2014, they did not disappoint their ever faithful supporters.
The game was wrapped up 3-0 in first half with demoralizing 8′ penalty and it ended that way in Katsina. I opened my mouth in utmost amazement.
Match day 8 of 2017/2018 [NPFL] another fateful day in Ilorin; the first half ended goalless, 3′ of the second half combine efforts of Alfred Stephen and Emeka Godwin broke up the dreadlocks. An intelligent tip from the left leg of Stephen beat the struggling central for Emeka header to his range to beat three other defenders before the half volley that hanged the ball at the right angle of the pole.
The duo made it two at 60′ but Emaka Godwin with an in swinging freekick, perfectly connected with Alfred Stephen head which led the ball to top right side of the pole.
Katsina remained unrelented till 86′ when they pulled one back. A perfect solo effort from an intelligent player who manoeuvred himself through relaxed Harmony Boys defense to unleash a curled shot to the second pole in the box.
The prodigiously talented, young and mobile Harmony Boys will again showcase their prowess, indomitable spirit with so much gusto and rapidity which will have their Lagos mammoth supporters grin with envy to enact their superiority.
Wishing the Harmony Boys a victorious outing.
Kwara United
In God we trust.
Akinola Francis Gbenga
Club Psychologist.
