Heartland Football Club of Owerri who are the Federation Cup defending champion would face Akwa
United of Uyo that defeated Rangers International of Enugu in the quarter-finals of the 2013 Federation Cup.
In other battles for places in the semi-finals, Kano Pillars will take on Warri Wolves, while Lobi Stars battle Akwa Starlets. And Nasarawa United take on two-time winners Enyimba FC of Aba.
Heartland, who have won the Nigeria cup competition back-to-back in 2011 and 2012, beat Sharks on penalties on Wednesday to reach the last eight of the annual competition.
Heartland FC of Owerri captain, Chinedu Efugh, has stated that the club expect a tough game against Akwa United, who dumped Enugu Rangers in the Round of 16.
“We want to retain the trophy and we know it won’t be easy because other clubs remaining in the contest want to dethrone us, but we are equal to the task, we are not far away from it. We are ready for Akwa
United and we will go for broke,” Efugh said.
Akwa United forward Ubong Ekpai, on the other hand, said that they hope to go past Heartland as they wish to win the cup competition.
“Heartland are the cup holders and we know it will be tough playing against them, but we are ready for them as we want to win the trophy,” Ekpai said.
Kano Pillars, who are on course for a league and cup double, will tackle Warri Wolves in what promises to be a very exciting match-up.
Federation Cup Quarter-final Fixtures:
Heartland vs Akwa – Kaduna
Kano Pillars vs Warri Wolves – Ilorin
Lobi Stars vs Akwa Starlets – Enugu
Nasarawa United vs Enyimba – Abeokuta
RESULTS OF ROUND OF 16
Niger Tornadoes 0 Warri Wolves 1
Enyimba FC 3 3SC 1
Akwa Starlets 2 Abia Warriors 0
Kano Pillars 1 Gombe United 0
Nasarawa United 1 Sunshine Stars 0
ABS FC 0 Lobi Stars 0 (Lobi win 5-4 penalties)
Akwa United 2 Enugu Rangers 1
Heartland FC 1 Sharks FC 1 (Heartland win 5-4 penalties)
QUARTER FINALS PAIRINGS
Heartland FC Vs Akwa United – Kaduna – 31/07/13
Warri Wolves Vs Kano Pillars – Ilorin – 31/07/13
Nasarawa United Vs Enyimba FC – Abeokuta – 31/07/13
Akwa Starlets Vs Lobi Stars – Enugu – 31/07/13
