Akanni Seyi
Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi will battle fellow Nigeria Professional Football League side, Mountain of Fire Miracle Ministries FC in the finals of the 4th edition Gold Cup Pre-season tournament.
The Godwin Koko Uwa team shocked defending champions, Kano Pillars 3-1 in the semi-finals as the Olukoya Boys beat Remo Stars 4-2 on penalties after a full time 1-1 scoreline.
Gambo Mohammed put the Sai Masu Gida team ahead with a cool finish in the quarter hour of the game.
Lobi Stars came from behind to cancel Pillars lead as Sunday Akleche scored from the penalty spot in the 30th minute.
The second half was even for both teams as they displayed best of football artistry to the amusement of the Ijebu-Ode fans.
As the second half clock thicker away, Nwangwa Nyima put Lobi Stars ahead with a 72nd minute goal.
As Kadiri Ikhana and his assistants charged Pillars on for an equalizing goal, Ifeanyi Inyam then scored the goal that broke the camel’s back with a 80th minute strike.
In the other semi-final game, the Olukoya Boys got the first goal with a fine finish by Stephen Odey to put his goal tally to two goals in three matches.
A rejuvenated Sky Blues showed class as they scored an equalizer in the 72nd minute as Opeoluwa Olufemi nodded from a cross.
MFM FC of Lagos shot stopper, Nasamu Emmanuel turned hero of the evening as he stopped two spot kicks from Remo Stars as the Olukoya Boys scored four of their spot kicks.
The finale will take place on Sunday at the main bowl of the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
