(Defending champions Akwa United)

It will be fireworks in the garden city of Port Harcourt as Aiteo Cup defending champions Akwa United of Uyo tackles debutants, Hope of Glory FC of Calabar and Heartland FC of Owerri squares up against newcomers Confine FC Ikot Ekpene.

Both matches will take place at Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday 9th September 2018 with Akwa United Vs Hope of Glory FC kicking off by 2pm while Heartland FC Vs Confine FC begins by 4pm in the round of 64 tie of the cup competition.

The Promise Keepers who have won the competition twice (2015 and 2017) in the last three years are huge favourites going into the game against the little known winners of the Cross River State Football Association Cup.

The defending champions ended the just concluded 2018 NPFL season in second place and are determined to retain the trophy they won last year which will be enough for them to secure continental football next season.

Coach Abdu Maikaba tutored side last game was in a club friendly against NPFL side,  Rivers United and it ended in a 2-2 draw scoreline.

Heartland FC nicknamed Naze Millionaires will host Confine FC of Ikot Ekpene at the same venue and they have the upper hands going into the game due to the pedigree of Confine FC as first-timers.

The Owerri-based club struggled in the 2017/2018 NPFL season, having amassed 20 points from 24 matches to finish 20th on the log.

Confine FC walloped RickyMart Soccer Academy of Cross River in the rookie round with 6-1 scoreline with Abasiama Michael bagging a hattrick.

Manager of Confine FC, Ciach Daniel Japheth is optimistic that his team will go far despite all odds in the 2018 Aiteo Cup.

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