Akwa United to Treat Kwara United Clash as Final – Boboye
Akwa United head coach Kennedy Boboye has urged his players to approach Saturday’s Federation Cup quarter-final against Kwara United as though it were the final itself.
The Promise Keepers, who are targeting a third FA Cup title after triumphs in 2015 and 2017, will face their Nigeria Premier Football League rivals at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Boboye wants his team to show total focus and determination in what he expects to be a tough and tightly contested encounter.
“We all know the Federation Cup is a knockout competition and we can’t afford any slip-ups,” Boboye said. “We must approach this match with the same mindset as a final – full of commitment, discipline and seriousness. Our goal is to secure one of the four semi-final spots.”
He added: “This will be our first test against another Premier League side in the competition, so it definitely won’t be an easy match. We must be sharp and ready to take our chances, as it could be a game with very few opportunities.”
Akwa United have so far seen off Kebbi United, Mighty Jets Feeders, and Inter Lagos to reach the quarter-finals. Kwara United, meanwhile, booked their place in the last eight after wins against Gombe United and Solutions FC.
Boboye has selected a strong squad for the tie, with Osoba Kabir and Orji Chisom – both with two goals each in the tournament – expected to lead the attack. Young talents such as Nsikak Raphael, Emmanuel Ini, Ibrahim Akande, Tochukwu Samuel and goalkeeper Hakeem Otuyiga have also been included in the squad.
