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.
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
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Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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