Bayelsa United will be aiming for another major victory as they go up against Nasarawa United in the finals of the Aiteo/Federation Cup to be decided this afternoon at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City.
Apart from the trophy and cash prize at stake, the winner of the tie will automatically qualify to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederations Cup.
To reach the finals, NNL side, Bayelsa United caused major upsets against NPFL clubs like Enugu Rangers and Lobi Stars before eliminating another NPFL side, Rivers United 1-0 in the semi-finals.
On their part, 2016 finalists, Nasarawa United defeated fellow NPFL side, Sunshine Stars 6-5 on penalties after 2-2 in regulation time to reach their second Cup finals.
Although they are making their first appearance in the finals, after their convincing victories, Bayelsa United have proved to be the surprise team of the competition and must be taken seriously.
Therefore, Nasarawa United must keep an eye on Okardi Inikurogha, Emo James and Victory Beniangba whose goals have propelled Bayelsa United to today’s finals.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa United who had a good run in this year’s NPFL season before capitulating on the final day to end without a continental ticket are favoured to actualise their dream by winning the Aiteo Cup finals.
The ‘Solid Miners’ as Nasarawa United are called can count on the 2021 NPFL joint-highest goalscorer, Silas Nwankwo to do the damage against Bayelsa United.
The women’s Aiteo Cup finals between Bayelsa Queens and FC Robo Queens will kick-start the Benin City double-header.