The Champion of Champions' Challenge will be played away from the usual confides of Abuja for the first-time since the trophy became play-off at a neutral venue in 2004. For those not familiar with this
match, the Pool A winner of the 2012/13 campaign plays the Pool B winner for the title.
And this one should be a right humdinger in Kogi State.
Both managers will be out to make an impression considering the spotlight on the game.
The two men will be aiming to put down a marker on Thursday as they aim to win the last trophy of the 2012/13 of the season for their various clubs.
Expect a heated battle on the pitch as Nasarawa Amazons' young side aim to knock down the reigning Fed Cup Queens.
On the pitch Nasarawa's new signings will hope to impress with advocates and technocrats of the game watching.
New Rivers additions midfielder Cecilia Nku, striker Loveth Ayila and defender Adeola Aminu; all from Bayelsa Queens, Bobruichanka Ladies and Osun Babes have all been certified fit for the showpiece final.
What they're saying?
Okon on the game vs Nasarawa Amazons:
"Football is something that sometimes goes against every game plan, you never know what will happen," he said in Lokoja.
"Between good teams it's difficult to have a big result, normally it's tight, but last year in the Fed Cup it was 3-0. But I think they will come out to fight.
"We can compete against them; when you compete eye to eye it means you think you can win, and we think we can," he added.
Zurungu on the highly anticipated clash with Okon and his methods:
"Once the referee starts the game, the focus will be on the players. That's the reason we're here - that's why kids love football and a sizeable number of people in Nigeria will watch these two marvelous clubs in action," the trainer declared.
"When they lose the ball, his [Okon's] teams counter-attack. He's a master in these actions. Everybody knows he's an excellent, excellent trainer.
Nasarawa's Ibijoke Sangonuga on the challenge of facing Rivers':
"I think the style will be very similar. They like to retain the ball and keep possession, which is what they did last season.
"They already have their own style of play and I think it will be the same. Of course we are looking forward to the game, and we will do everything we can in order to win it," the Falconets goal tender said.
"That's why we want to play football, to be involved in the big matches, so let's see what happens," she posited.
Rivers Angels' full back Ugo Njoku on her first competitive match since she re-joined the club:
"It happened so fast, but I believe the destination of human being is known by God. Once again I'm happy to be back in the ranks of champions.
"I'm willing to play a huge part if entrusted with a role by the technical crew," the Falconets defender concluded while speaking with Ademetan Abayomi in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Prediction:
This is going to be a really tasty clash in the Kogi capital. Both managers have shrugged off their rivalry ahead of the game, but a chance to get an early season head start on the other is hugely attractive.
Both Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons will go deep into the Champion of Champions this year and both sides are stacked with attacking talent. However there are question marks over Nasarawa's defense under and Rivers' look solid as a rock. I think the Port Harcourt Angels have an edge.
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