Nigerian Football
2019 AITEO CUP: LAST LAP TO FINAL AS RIVERS UNITED TAKE ON NIGER TORNADOES
BY SAMMY WEJINYA.
Niger Tornadoes will go toe to toe with Rivers United on
Thursday as both clubs seek to reach the 2019 AITEO Cup final.
The semi-final will be decided at the ‘Soccer Temple’, the Agege Stadium, Lagos
and kickoff has been fixed for 3 pm.
Thursday’s contest exemplifies the classic winner-takes-it-all clash as the
victor will very likely have more than bragging rights to show if success is
secured at the Center of Excellence.
The Tornado gathers momentum
Niger Tornadoes had a Nigeria Professional Football League
(NPFL) season to forget.
The Minna club suffered relegation to the second tier of Nigerian football
after finishing in 11th place in Group A of the abridged NPFL season with 21
points from 22 matches.
Redemption was therefore required and the ‘Ikon Allah’ duly trained their
sights on the AITEO Cup and have made important inroads in this year’s
competition.
A routine 3-0 win over unheralded Fasbir FC 3-0 in the round of 64 was followed
by a difficult 1-0 win over Gombe United in the round of 32.
Things then began to get a bit complicated for the Tornadoes club as Cynosure
FC forced them to a 2-2 draw in their round of 16 clash at the Aper Aku
Stadium, Makurdi.
Tornadoes prevailed after a nervy shootout but giant killers, Smart City lay in
wait in the quarter finals.
After a pulsating battle that finished 0-0, Tornadoes squeezed through 5-4 on
penalties to book a date with Rivers United in the last four.
Tornadoes; the style
Tornadoes have a style inherent on building up attacks via quick possession
through the middle with coach Abubakar Bala (the third coach Tornadoes have
hired this season) favoring a 4-3-3 formation.
Bala has managed just two games for Tornadoes (the penalty shootout wins over
Cynosure FC and Smart City FC) this term.
The wins for the Minna club over Fasbir FC and Gombe United in the rounds of 64
and 32 were masterminded by Ahmed Nuhu who was in interim charge for Tornadoes’
first two matches of the competition.
The tactics and personnel of Bala
Bala loves paying attention to detail.
Quiet and unassuming, he has wreaked havoc on many an unsuspecting side with
his harmless mien.
His favoured tactical formation integrates a back four, one defensive
midfielder, three attacking midfielders and three closely placed strikers.
In captain, Aliko Mustapha, Tornadoes have a goalkeeping veteran who will not
be fazed by Thursday’s occasion.
Jubrin Mustapha (RB) and Olayinka Yusuf (LB), Rueben Ogbonnaya (CB) and Lorliam
Gwarza (CB) represent a solid shield for the vastly experienced Aliko and one
of the strongest defences in the country.
The centre halves are strong, stocky and aggressive – quite a handful for many
from the opposition and in midfield, Bala has plenty of young, quick and mobile
midfielders to pick from.
Adetola Ayo shields the back four while the creative juice in the middle is
usually supplied by Dosso Saib and Ahmadu Liman.
Liman and Saib usually venture forward to aid the forward when Tornadoes step
on the accelerator in games.
Bashir Azado is a feared marksman who knows his way to goal and he will be at
the tip of the Tornadoes spear on Thursday while receiving support from the
flanks from Ismaila Sarki (LW) and Mubarak Said (RW).
If things are not going according to script, Bala can always call on important
substitutes like Moses Ugwu, Gyemini Abashiya and Eric Frimpong to deliver the
goods.
Tornadoes can hurt any team but in Rivers United, they know they will be coming
up against their sternest test yet – a force of nature and a side many believe
can go all the way in the competition.
Rivers United – deadly, efficient and pragmatic
The records show that statistically, Rivers United is the
strongest team still left in the competition.
United have not conceded any goals as they stormed into the semis in confident
fashion.
Abiodun Akande, the standout goalkeeper in this year’s competition marshals his
defence like a frenzied General in the heat of battle.
His jaw dropping saves in the round of 32 versus Akwa United in Enugu and Lobi
Stars, in the tight quarter final in Ijebu-Ode will be talked about for many
years to come.
“The objective for me is to keep a clean sheet all through the competition,”
Akande told the club’s official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
“Our defence led by our captain, Festus Austin is the best in the country and
in Thursday, we will play a very serious game with the aim of reaching the
final,” he said.
The ‘Pride of Rivers’ have long dispelled notions that they are not a high
scoring team.
They had hit nine goals at the round of 16 stage of the competition.
FC Timberloader was the first to feel the might of United as they received a
4-0 hiding in the round of 64 in Lafia.
Then came the ‘Masterclass of Enugu’ where pre-tournament favourites, Akwa
United were dismissed 3-0 in a one-sided round of 32 fixture decided at the
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Warri Wolves were the next to fall, in the round of 16, as United cruised to a
routine 2-0 win at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
It was always going to be tough in the semi-final when United faced Nigeria’s
representatives in the 2019 CAF Champions League, Lobi Stars.
Lobi, full of important individuals like Olufemi Kayode, Ebube Duru, Dare Ojo,
Kadiri Samad, Sikiri Alimi and Ezekiel Mbah, was never going to be easy fodder.
The battle between the two sides at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, was
one for the ages and eventually, United – the hungrier of the two sides –
sealed the win with a penalty shootout win where unheralded goalkeeper,
Darlington Ovunda shone like a million stars.
Now, United have one more hurdle to overcome and experienced Technical Manager,
Stanley Eguma says only a serious approach will see the ‘Pride of Rivers’ reach
the final.
“Niger Tornadoes is a very good side and we respect them a lot. We met them
twice in the league and did not lose any of those games but this is a
completely different competition.
“My players know what is at stake and everyone here will give a hundred
percent.
“Having come this far, we will give everything to qualify for the final and I
am very confident we will do it,” he said.
Rivers United head coach and technical manager, Finidi George, has praised young defender Ochiobi Elias following his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, was instrumental in helping Rivers United maintain a clean sheet, marking one of his most confident outings since his promotion to the senior squad.
Finidi, visibly impressed after the match, revealed that his decision to give Elias a full game was driven by trust in the player’s potential, despite his limited minutes earlier in the season.
“I think he did well. Normally, we should have been bringing him in gradually — maybe 15 minutes before giving him a 90-minute match,” Finidi said. “But I trust him, and I’ve spoken to him. He should be relaxed, calm down, and play his football.”
The coach also highlighted a near-miss moment when Elias came close to scoring late in the game, a chance Finidi felt could have crowned his stellar performance.
“I think today he would have scored a goal at the last moment, but he still wanted to square the ball, look for somebody,” Finidi added. “I’m quite happy with his performance, and we will keep encouraging him to do better. I am very, very pleased.”
Elias, a product of the Rivers United youth team that won the NPFL Youth League in 2024, has been gradually integrated into the first team under Finidi’s guidance. His performance on Wednesday is seen as a major step forward in his development and a sign of his growing confidence.
The youngster is now expected to retain his place in the squad as Rivers United travel to Aba this Sunday for a crucial NPFL clash against Enyimba.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football governing body on the successful hosting of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, lauded the NFF Board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the smooth conduct of the AGM and the significant progress made in Nigerian football development.
According to Ekejiuba, the Ibadan meeting reflected Gusau’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity across the football ecosystem.
“GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans,” he said.
“His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Ekejiuba also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the growth of domestic competitions, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as key milestones recorded under Gusau’s leadership. GTI serves as a strategic partner of the NPFL, supporting its structural and commercial transformation.
The statement further expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the AGM. Ekejiuba noted the governor’s commendation of the improved standard of refereeing in the NPFL under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
However, GTI also used the opportunity to express disappointment over the early exit of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, urging Nigerian clubs to raise their competitive standards on the continental stage.
“It is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend. This clearly shows that Nigerian clubs must raise their game in order to compete favourably,” the statement read.
“The future remains bright, but that is why GTI has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football, just as is done in thriving leagues across the world.”
Ekejiuba also extended words of encouragement to Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are still flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
“We encourage them to dig deep and remain focused to ensure successful campaigns. They should give Nigerian football fans something to cheer this season because we understand how demanding continental competitions can be,” he concluded.
GTI Group reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the NFF to advance football development, promote professionalism, and attract sustainable investment into the Nigerian game.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has queried Warri Wolves following reports of the suspension of their head coach, Aluma Napoleon, faulting the club’s failure to comply with established procedures for contracting and registering technical officials.
In a letter titled “Notarization and Registration of Contracts” and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body directed the Delta-based club to regularize all contractual documentation with its technical and management staff in line with NPFL regulations.
The NPFL’s letter stated:
“Information reaching us from the media space suggests that the Delta State Sports Commission has suspended your head coach, Mr. Aluma Napoleon, with immediate effect.”
Citing Sections B, Articles 6 and 11 of the NPFL 2025/26 Framework and Rules, the league reminded Warri Wolves that all clubs are required to submit notarized contracts of their officials for registration and record purposes.
“You are, however, in breach of these sections as Warri Wolves FC have not submitted the contracts of its officials to the League Board. You are hereby requested, within twenty-four hours of receiving this letter, to submit all relevant contracts of your technical team, including that of the assumed suspended head coach, Mr. Napoleon Aluma, to the NPFL Secretariat,” the letter warned.
The NPFL further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including restricting Warri Wolves’ technical crew from accessing the bench in subsequent league matches.
“Note that failure to comply with this instruction will lead to the restriction of your technical team from accessing the technical area in future NPFL matches,” the league stated.
In a related statement to NPFL Media, COO Davidson Owumi stressed that the Warri Wolves case was not isolated, adding that all clubs yet to register the contracts of their technical officials must do so without delay.
“I must admonish all coaches to get hold of their contracts and lodge a report with the NPFL when there is a violation of the terms. It is the responsibility of the aggrieved to petition the league at all times,” Owumi emphasized.
The NPFL has been tightening administrative controls in recent seasons to ensure transparency, professionalism, and adherence to contractual obligations across all participating clubs.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- CAF Confederation Cup1 week ago
Asante Kotoko End Kwara United’s Confederation Cup Campaign in Abeokuta
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup4 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers