Prime FC not afraid of Kano Pillars, says Afolabi

2012 Federation Cup Giant Killers, Prime Football Club will be up against Kano Pillars Football Club of Kano on Wednesday at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja in the Round of 32 Federation Cup pairing.

The Omoluabi Giants defeated Inneh Stars 2-1in a highly impressive round of 64 game last month to reach the round of 32 of the competition.

Kano Pillars defeated Gateway Football Club of Abeokuta 1-0 to qualify for next stage of Nigeria’s oldest competition.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) side, defeated Kano Pillars 3-1 on penalties in the third place of the 2012 Federation Cup in Lagos after the regulation time ended 1-1. Gambo Mohammed scored for Kano Pillars before Isah Akor evened score for Prime.

The Omoluabi's Giants will appear to give the Sai Masu Gida's a run for their money with the arrays of qualities in their kitty. Some of the players have expressed their optimism considering the fact that Prime is a force to reckon with in Federation Cup.

Prime will hope to get back to winning ways having lost their last two league matches and a win over the former Premier League champions will boost the side morale in Nigeria’s oldest football competition.

The Shina Afolabi-led side has been solid in defence but too wasteful in front of goal and Afolabi have charged his wards to be determined with Wednesday's game against Kano Pillars.

Prime will be coming out for an upset and to put a smile on the faces of their fans, but they will have to battle a compact Pillars team who parades some of the best players in the Nigeria League.

Pillars gaffer, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, have strong forces in Prince Aggreh, Rabiu Ali, Omo Johnson, Gambo Mohammed, Ifeanyi Mathew and Shagari Mohammed.

The Sai Masu Gida side on Sunday recorded a disappointing 2-2 draw in front of their fans at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofarmata and they will be hoping for a revenge of 2012 defeat.

Coach Afolabi, will bank on the versatility of midfield maestro Hakeem Olalere, who is expected to form a formidable patch upfront with inspiring Adeyemi Adeyeye, Lekan Oseolohun, Alaji Rasaq and Lekan Bola.

Olusola Akilapa, is expected to coordinate the defence line, while inspirational goalkeeper, Ayo Ojo, is expected to man the post.

“I am sure we will get a very good game against Kano Pillars, we respect them but we're not afraid of them."

“We will come out strong to ensure that we win and advance to the next stage of the competition and we shall take every opportunity that comes our way against Pillars,” Afolabi said.

The 'Believe and Achieve' side will seek a positive result against Pillars so as to approach their Week 4 Nigeria National League match on Saturday against COD United at the Oshogbo Township Stadium on a brighter note.