Akwa United of Akwa ibom State has emerged the 2015 Federation Cup.
They defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 in the final match played on Sunday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
A sumptuous free kick in the first half through Namso Edo and a rocket shot from Abdullafeez Afeez in second half ended the long wait by the Promise Keepers as they secured their first Federation Cup title in their history in style.
Before Sunday’s triumph, Akwa United’s biggest feat in Nigeria’s oldest football competition was in 2013 when they were defeated in the semi-final by Warri Wolves 1-2.
However the Zachary Baraje Boys showed from the blast of the whistle that they were in Lagos to take the trophy back to Uyo.
To make it to the final and win the historic title, Akwa United started by cruising past Peacemakers FC in the round of 32 before they edged second tier side, Prime FC 1-0 in the next phase.
It was however a tougher duel in the quarter finals where Akwa United edged out Niger Tornadoes Feeders but that was after they were held to a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes before triumphing 4-3 on penalties to reach their second semi-final.
In the semi-final, Aniekpeno Udoh was the hero as his solitary strike was enough to help Akwa United edge Nasarawa United 1-0 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
Having struggled in the League where they barely escaped relegation, Akwa United will indeed be proud to end their season on a high with the Federation Cup triumph.
The team will now have to brace up for a tougher challenge as they take their bow in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
