Maikaba upbeat about Akwa United chances despite Bassey and Ifeanyi absence

Akwa United will miss Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Ezekiel Bassey against Enugu Rangers but head coach Abdu Maikaba is confident they will scale through in Kano on Wednesday.

The Promise Keepers duo chopped injuries at the group stage in Aba and are declared unfit for the Federation Cup quarterfinal clash with the Flying Antelopes at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Despite being wary of Gbenga Ogunbote’s side, the gaffer assures his troops will edge past the five-time Cup winners to the semi-final in the quest to edge closer to a third major title.

"The Aiteo Cup is an interesting competition, that is why we are taking it one game at a time,” Maikaba told media.

“Our quarter final match with Rangers is an important game for us as the defending champions. The mission here in Kano is to advance to the semi final of this competition. It is unfortunate we won’t have both of them [Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Ezekiel Bassey] due to injury but we will cope.

"The boys have done well in the previous rounds and they are fully prepared and ready for Wednesday's match. We have a target and that is to retain our title as champions.

“My players are aware of the importance of every match and I believe that those that will be selected to represent us will make themselves and all our fans proud.”