Sunshine Stars striker Sikiru Alimi is under no illusions as to the kind of task that awaits his side when they face Akwa United in the semi-final of this year’s AITEO Cup.
Both teams clash in Ijebu-Ode in the first instalment of their two-legged last four clash on Saturday. Alimi who scored one of his team’s goals in their quarter final victory over Osun United told www.aclsports.com he expects a tough game from the Promise Keepers.
“Akwa United are a good side and have some of the best legs in the league. Playing against them says a lot so I’m expecting a tough game from them,” said the former Warri Wolves striker.
Speaking of having some of the best legs in the league, Akwa United had six players at the recently concluded West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations in Ghana.
The Promise Keepers have since had the players back in their fold and will be looking for a decent result at the Dipo Dina Stadium ahead of the return leg in Uyo next Wednesday. Alimi is however upbeat on his team’s chances of beating the 2015 winners.
“Every player wants to play against the best and beat the best. We at Sunshine Stars have a good chance of going through having come this far and I am confident it will be a good game for us,” he added.
Saturday’s game in Ijebu-Ode is one of four semi-final games being decided across the men and women’s AITEO Cup competitions.
Winner of the Sunshine Stars vs Akwa United clash over two legs will face winner of the other tie also involving two NPFL sides, Niger Tornadoes and reigning Cup kings FC Ifeanyiubah in the final at a yet-to-be-decided venue and a yet-to-be-disclosed date.
