Akwa United FC Vs Pillars Investors: 2025 Akwa Ibom State Federation Cup match preview
The Uyo Township Stadium will come alive on Thursday, February 6, 2025, as record Akwa Ibom State Federation Cup winners Akwa United FC take on Pillars Investors Football Academy in the quarter-final of this year’s tournament. SportsRations’ Nsikakabasi Akpan presents preview of the match.
The encounter will see Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Akwa United face off against non-league Pillars Investors, who will be hoping to cause an upset and book a place in the semi-finals, where Godswill Akpabio United FC awaits after their emphatic 6-0 victory over Regnant Academy on the opening day.
Akwa United’s Title Defence Begins
Akwa United, the dominant force in Akwa Ibom football, have won 14 of the last 15 state cup editions. The Promise Keepers will begin their title defence with high expectations, aiming to secure one of the two available slots for the national Federation Cup, a tournament they previously won in 2015 and 2017.
However, Coach Kennedy Boboye’s side have endured a difficult run in the NPFL and will see this match as an opportunity to regain confidence ahead of their crucial league fixture against Enyimba International this weekend.
Speaking to the club’s media team, Coach Boboye stressed the importance of taking the match seriously, warning against complacency in knockout football.
“At this point, it is important for us to win every match we play, irrespective of who our opponents are. Knockout competitions are full of surprises, and we won’t gamble with our selection. We will approach this match with all seriousness, knowing that victory will boost our morale and restore our confidence.”
“The FA Cup is a knockout competition, and we cannot afford to underrate any team. Our focus is to win our matches and secure qualification for the President Federation Cup.”
Can Pillars Investors Cause an Upset?
For Pillars Investors, this is a golden opportunity to make a name for themselves. As a non-league side, they will step onto the pitch as underdogs but with nothing to lose. Facing a top-tier team like Akwa United is a tough challenge, but if they can stay compact defensively and take their chances, an upset could be on the cards.
What’s at Stake?
The winner of this clash will advance to the semi-final, where they will meet Godswill Akpabio United FC for a spot in the final scheduled for February 23, 2025. With only two teams qualifying for the national Federation Cup, the stakes are high for Akwa United and Pillars Investors as they battle for glory in the Akwa Ibom State President Federation Cup.
Will Akwa United assert their dominance, or will Pillars Investors stun the NPFL giants? Fans will find out when the action kicks off at 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
