FA Cup: Miracle worker Desouza scores five as 10-star Warriors set up Enyimba final

Abia Warriors and Enyimba have set up an intriguing State FA Cup final clash after negotiating their respective semi-final ties in contrasting fashions.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the NPFL clubs battled minnows Miracle FC and Ahudiya Nnem in the Abia State FA Cup semis.

At the Enyimba Stadium, Abia Warriors produced a ruthless attacking display to thump Miracle FC 10-0 and book their spot in the final.

New signing Antoine Desouza stole the show by netting five goals - a brace before half-time, a hat-trick completed two minutes into the second half, before adding two more late on.

Paschal Nwabueze also bagged a brace as the Warriors overwhelmed their amateur opponents to progress in style.

In Umuahia, defending NPFL champions Enyimba needed penalty kicks to squeeze past Ahudiya Nnem FC following a goalless 90 minutes.

With the semi-final tie locked at 0-0 after normal time, it was left to goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena to emerge as the Elephants' hero in the shootout.

The shot-stopper saved two spot-kicks to help seal a 4-3 win on penalties and set up an all-NPFL showdown against their Abia State rivals.

While the Warriors flexed their attacking muscle, Enyimba displayed their grit and character to grind out a result against a tricky Ahudiya side.

The State FA Cup final between the two top-flight outfits promises to be a cracker as they battle for local bragging rights and silverware.

With in-form Desouza leading the line for Warriors and Enyimba able to call on big-game experience, it creates a compelling clash between two of Nigeria's elite club sides.