The 2023 edition of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association Cup, originally scheduled to kickoff on Friday, March 3, will now begin on Friday, March 10, 2023, the State FA announced.
The draw on February 24 saw Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side and 2021 finalist, Dakkada FC taking on Vandrezzer Academy on March 3, and Nigeria National League (NNL) side, FC ONE Rockets taking on Regnant FC on March 4.
Both matches will now take place on March 10 and 13 respectively, both at the Godswill Akpbio International Stadium Training Pitch, Uyo by 4pm.
Updated: Akwa Ibom state/SMEsportz 2022/23 FA cup fixtures.
— Akwa Ibom State Football Association (@akwaibomstatefa) March 2, 2023
It’s almost MATCHDAY, save the DATES, and come to the STADIUM to support your favorite CLUB(s) to VICTORY 🎊#akwaibomstate pic.twitter.com/U19p5RnPIg
Akwa United were given a bye as defending champions, which qualifies them automatically to the semi-finals of the competition, and Vandrezzer FC who will participate for the first time in the competition also qualifies to the semi-finals after picking one of the bye slots during the draws.
The first semi-final will take place on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 between Akwa United and the winner of Match 1 (Dakkada FC and Vandrezzer Academy) at the Eket Sports Stadium, Eket.
While Vandrezzer FC will face the winner between FC ONE Rockets and Regnant FC in the second semi final on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 by 4pm at the Eket Sports Stadium, Eket.
The final will now hold on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Eket Sports Stadium.
Winner of the FA Cup will represent Akwa Ibom State in the 2023 Federation Cup.
In the female category, Owo Itam FC will represent Akwa Ibom State in the national preliminary rounds, having been the only club to register for the competition.
The competition for the first time will have a broadcast partner with the two semi final matches and the final to be broadcast live on SME Sportz.
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