Nigeria’s Sand Eagles coach, Adamu Ejor, has added his voice to the Aiteo Cup final between Rangers International of Enugu and Kano Pillars on Wednesday.
Ejor, who spoke to aclsports.com in Asaba, says the final between two of Nigeria’s best sides will be a keenly contested one and too close to call.
“The two teams coming for this final, it’s a 50-50 (game),” he said. You can’t tell one Rangers or Pillars will win because they play(ed) in the league (NPFL) and know themselves.”
Later today, at the Stephen Keshi stadium in Asaba, two of Nigeria’s biggest teams will battle it out for not just the coveted title but who takes home the N25m prize money and a ticket to represent Nigeria next year in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Rangers defeated Nasarawa United in the semifinal 4-2 to book their place while Pillars needed a penalty shootout to see off the challenge of a spirited Katsina United side.
Speaking further on the match, Ejor, who demands a very good game from both sides, believes the first goal will be key to whoever emerges as champions.
“Whoever scores the first goal wins the match,” Ejor added. “I wish both teams can play good football so by next year we will see them beating teams like Al Ahly because this is our problem (in the continent)- the North Africans.”
With the Beach Eagles not in action until mid December, when the African qualifiers kicks off, Ejor revealed to aclsports.com that he was also in Asaba on a scouting mission
“I have a player here in Kano Pillars, Junior Lokosa, who traveled with us three years back to Seychelles. I called him and also David Obiazor and maybe i can get one or two players from Rangers (too).”
“Our competition in Egypt, the qualifiers come up in December, by the time you call them (the players), they are preparing for this competition and the league next month. But I know with the coaches, by the time i talk to them they will release one or two of them for us so they can make Nigeria proud.”
Izu Akawor reporting from Asaba
