Rivers United will attempt to overcome Niger Tornadoes today (Thursday), in their 2019 Aiteo Cup semifinal in their bid to reach the final for the fifth time in history, Completesports.com reports.
The big match-up holds at the Agege Stadium, Lagos, otherwise known as the Soccer Temple.
Kano Pillars are billed to clash with Calabar Rovers in the other Aiteo Cup semifinal fixture at Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.
Stanley Eguma’s Rivers United have won the trophy four times in the past when they were known as Dolphins. That was in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Rivers United won on all previous occasions they navigated their way to the last four and final.
To reach this stage, The Pride of Rivers saw off Timberloaders 3-0 in the Round of 64, thrashed NPFL side Akwa United 3-0 in Round of 32 and edges out Warri Wolves 2-0 in Round of 16.
In the quarterfinals,they edged out Lobi Stars 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw in regulation time.
Tornadoes, proud winners in 2000, defeated Fasbir FC 3-0 in Round of 64 and Gombe United 1-0 in Round of 32.
After a 2-2 draw, Tornadoes prevailed over Cynosure 4-3 on penalty kicks in the Round of 16 before edging out giant-killers, Smart City 5-4 from spot kicks following a barren draw.
The winner in today’s semifinal will battle the winner between Kano Pillars and Calabar Rovers in the Aiteo Cup final slated for Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
2019 Aiteo Federation Cup Semifinal Fixtures
Rivers United Vs Niger Tornadoes (Agege Lagos, 4 July, 4pm)
Kano Pillars Vs Calabar Rovers (Makurdi, 4 July, 4pm)
By Sab Osuji
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