By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Both Semi-finals of the 2015 Men’s President Federation Cup are to be decided simultaneously, on Wednesday in Lagos and Abuja.
Former winners Rangers Int’l FC of Enugu are up against Kwara United of Ilorin, in an all-premier league clash to be staged at the MJ Arena, in Onikan, Lagos, for a place in the final of the oldest football competition, in the land.
Meanwhile, emerging powerhouse Ikorodu City FC of Lagos, will take on the surprise package of this year’s competition, Abakaliki FC at the Bwari Township Stadium, in Abuja.
Both games will kickoff simultaneously at 4pm, with the eventual winner of the Federation Cup, also punching the first of two tickets for Nigeria, to next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
To get to this stage, dethroned NPFL Champions, Rangers Int’l FC eliminated former champions Kano Pillars FC, in the Round of 64; Heartland FC of Owerri in the Round of 32; Bendel Insurance FC in the Round of 16; and Plateau United FC in the last round.
On other hand, Kwara United FC sent packing Cynosure from Ebonyi State in the Round of 64; and got the better of Gombe United, Solution FC and Akwa United in the rounds that followed.
Likewise, Abakaliki FC, bumped out Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu; overcame Katsina United FC, upset Enyimba Int’l FC; and Nasarawa United FC in subsequent rounds.
Newly promoted NFL side, Ikorodu City edged-out Sunshine Stars Under-19 team on penalties in the
Round of 64; and defeated Crown FC of Ogbomosho; Beyond Limits FC of Ikenne; and Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi, to get to the penultimate round.
