It is yet another opportunity for Abia Warriors to continue their pursuit of a first continental ticket when they meet Abuja-based Sporting Supreme in the round of 32 of the President Federation Cup.
Getting to the continent through the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) is no longer mathematically possible for the John Obuh-led Warriors, who are 11th on the table with 44 points, while the sixth-placed Plateau United is on 50 points.
Only the first three teams in the NPFL qualify for the continent, but there is another opening for the winner of the President Federation Cup to join them.
After an impressive performance against Rivers United of Port Harcourt in last week’s rescheduled NPFL fixture, Abia Warriors say they are now focused on theround of 32 fixture of the President Federation Cupagainst FCT-based Sporting Supreme Football Club in Benin City.
They arrived the Edo State capital venue with players and officials in high spirits.
Speaking ahead of the match, Abia Warriors striker, Sunday Megwo, believes that the team is prepared for the encounter, and is confident that the Warriors will get the job done.
“We are prepared because, after our match against Rivers United, we’ve been training, no rest at all, even though we had to train on Sunday and on arrival today,we still trained. So, I will say we are prepared for the match”, Megwo said.
Apart from Abia Warriors, anumber of teams in the top-tier NPFL countenance exit from this year’s President Federation Cup in the round of 32 matches, which hold across the country today and tomorrow.
Former champions, Lobi Stars and Shooting Stars will battle in Awka, while holders Bendel Insurance are up in arms against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as Plateau United and Sunshine Stars test might also in Abuja.
Katsina United square up to Bayelsa United in Abuja as well, while CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finalists, Rivers United, throw their weight up against Niger Tornadoes.
Giant-killers Hammola FC and Inter Lagos are at each other’s jugular in Ibadan, while former CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba, must guard their loins against free-scoring FC One Rocket in Yenagoa, and Enugu is the battleground for the confrontation between Warri Wolves and Kwara United.
