By Amaechi Agbo
The August 10, 2022 Aiteo/FA Cup quarter-final matches might not after all hold as the 8 teams scheduled to play in the last 8 have threatened to boycott the matches across four venues, bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.
The move to boycott the quarter-final was made known by the Chairman, Club Owner’s Association, Isaac Danladi
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF had submitted Kwara United FC as the country’s second Confederation Cup team which CAF has confirmed on their website after it published the list of clubs to participate in the 2022/2023 CAF inter-club competitions
In a release Mr Danladi personally signed on Sunday, he disclosed that the eight participating teams have had their hair cut in their absence following the submission of Kwara United FC to Confederation of Africa Football, CAF as Nigeria’s second team for Confederation Cup League.
This, did not go down well with the 8 remaining teams in the Aiteo/FA Cup who were hoping to win the competition and as well fill the second slot.
While stating that the Club Owners do not have any misgivings against Kwara United, Mr Danladi however expressed displeasure over the nomination because the slot is designed for the winner of the Aiteo Cup.
He however charged the 8 quarter-finalsts to remain calm as they await response from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF following a correspondent sent to them.
“Our attention has been drawn to a list of clubs for the CAF confederation cup where one of our MEMBER-CLUBS kwara United FC was nominated as the country’s representative to the CAF slot meant for the winner of the Aiteo Cup.
“In as much as we are not against the nomination of kwara United FC, we however express our displeasure over the nomination because the slot is designed for the winner of the Aiteo Cup.
“Again, if such a decision was to be taken, clubs needed to be informed earlier to avoid a waste of resources and energy playing the Aiteo cup.
“More particularly that the slot according to CAF is meant for the FA cup winners and NFF having set a precedent before now with Kano Pillars FC.
“Meanwhile we have made contacts with the Federation expecting their response before the close of work today otherwise the 8 clubs in the quarter finals will have no other option than to stop further participation and withdraw from the Aiteo cup.
“In view of the circumstances, we hereby urge clubs affected by this development to remain calm and await further necessary action as Our decision is premised on the doctrines of justice, equity and fair play as “njustice to one is injustice to all,” the statement read.
The last eight standing teams are: Niger Tornadoes, Lobi Stars, Wikki Tourists, Nasarawa United, Heartland FC, Katsina United, Kogi United and Kano Pillars.
The quarter-final matches are slated to hold on Wednesday across four venues in Northern region of the country.
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