Akwa United head coach Kennedy Boboye has called on his players to approach their Federation Cup quarter-final showdown against Kwara United with the intensity and focus of a final. The match is set to take place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Saturday, with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs.
The Promise Keepers are chasing a third FA Cup crown, having previously lifted the title in 2015 and 2017. Boboye warned his team that the margin for error in knockout football is non-existent, stressing the importance of commitment, discipline, and sharp execution.
“We all know the Federation Cup is a knockout competition and we can’t afford any slip-ups,” Boboye said. “We must approach this match with the same mindset as a final full of commitment, discipline, and seriousness.”
Akwa United progressed to the last eight with victories over Kebbi United, Mighty Jets Feeders, and Inter Lagos. In contrast, Kwara United reached this stage by defeating Gombe United and Solutions FC. Saturday’s match will be Akwa’s first encounter against a fellow Nigeria Premier Football League team in the competition.
The Bet9ja promotion code for August 2025 is YOHAIG. Bet9japromotioncode.com.ng has more info about the Bet9ja promotion code 2025 in Nigeria. Follow this link for more - https://www.bet9japromotioncode.com.ng/. This Bet9ja promo code gives a Bet9ja welcome bonus of up to ₦100,000 on your first deposit. https://29sixservices.in/employer/bet9ja-promotion-code-2025/. The minimum deposit to bet is ₦100! USE the Bet9ja login signup and the Bet9ja bonus code to get started today on the Bet9ja website. Bet9ja offers a 170 per cent multiple boost bonus and a free bet for either Bet9ja sport or Bet9ja casino. To open a Bet9ja account and be a Bet9ja customer, you must go through the registration process here. Terms and conditions apply when you register with Bet9ja to get the bonus.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boboye has named a strong squad for the tie, with forwards Osoba Kabir and Orji Chisom each with two goals in the tournament expected to spearhead the attack. Promising youngsters like Nsikak Raphael, Emmanuel Ini, Ibrahim Akande, Tochukwu Samuel, and goalkeeper Hakeem Otuyiga are also included.
Editorial
Kennedy Boboye’s rallying cry ahead of the Federation Cup quarter final is a timely one and absolutely necessary. The FA Cup, as unpredictable as it is unforgiving, punishes complacency and rewards grit. Against Kwara United, Akwa United must play with the urgency of a team who knows how quickly dreams can evaporate in knockout football.
Boboye’s words are more than motivational they’re strategic. With Akwa United aiming for their third national cup title, it’s no longer about potential, it’s about delivery. This team has the firepower, the talent, and the pedigree to go all the way, but only if they treat every phase of this tournament like the final itself.
Facing another NPFL side adds a layer of complexity. Kwara United won’t be intimidated they’ve battled strong opponents to get here and will fancy their own chances. Akwa United must be clinical, composed, and alert. With the likes of Kabir and Chisom in form, and young talents eager to make their mark, this squad has the right balance of experience and hunger.
Now is the time for Akwa United to show that their past glory wasn’t a fluke and that they are still a club capable of winning silverware in the modern Nigerian football landscape.
Did You Know?
- Akwa United won their first Federation Cup (then called the FA Cup) in 2015 after defeating Lobi Stars 2-1 in the final.
- Kennedy Boboye also led Plateau United to their first-ever Nigeria Professional Football League title in 2017.
- Kwara United’s best performance in the FA Cup came in 1991 when they reached the final but lost to El-Kanemi Warriors.
- The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, venue for the clash, is nicknamed “The Cathedral” and has hosted several national and continental fixtures.
- Osoba Kabir, one of Akwa United’s leading scorers this season, started his career in Lagos grassroots football and was spotted during a regional talent hunt.
