Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna on Thursday edged out Rivers United by two goals to one (2-1) to book a place in the finals of 2019 Aiteo Cup Competition.

The two teams sized up both technically and tactically in a bid to emerge winner of the one of the Semi Final ties at the Soccer Temple in Agege, Lagos State.

Both teams struggled to take initiative of the encounter which began in a dig dong affair due to the poor nature of the pitch as a result of torrential rainfall that lasted the entire duration of the match.

Tornadoes however got on the score sheet in the 13th minute when Ahmadu liman’s telegraphic pass finds speeding Eric Frimpong who cleverly slot home to put Tornadoes on a goal advantage. The lead however lasted just 4 minutes as Rivers United responded with an equaliser in the 17th minute to throw the game open.

Niger Tornadoes continued to press until the 43rd minute when Dosso Saib’s wonder free kick caught Rivers United goalkeeper napping to send the travelling Tornadoes supporters into raptures.

The second half produced no goals as Tornadoes held on until the blast of the final whistle by the centre referee.

The win sets up an all northern final with Kano Pillars as the Sai Masu Gida pipped Calabar Rovers in the other Semi Final tie via penalty shoot outs.

Niger Tornadoes will equally represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederations CUP irrespective of the outcome in the Finals as their opponent Kano Pillars had earlier picked the Second Caf Champions League slot.