The 15th and final game between the top of the table runners Nikao Sokattak and Tupapa Maraerenga tomorrow at the CIFA Complex will decide the Championship title for the 2021 Tower Insurance Premiership.

For Tupapa Maraerenga, it is a must-win game to gain their championship title to make it five years in a row. As for Nikao Sokattak, a draw is enough for them to win the championship title since their last one in 2009.

Both teams have been rivals since their first encounter and are currently locked at 34 points on the points table with Nikao Sokattak ahead on a better goal average.

Without a doubt, Nikao will bring speed when up against a tough defensive line like Dave Milanovic and John Noovao. Their strikeforce Julius David and Toru Mateariki will be the two to watch out for.

Nikao’s midfielders Marc Leito and James Osiramo will be focused on keeping the pressure on the Tupapa backline and when needed, they would have to fall back to help their defense keep Tupapa strikers at bay.

The men in black Tupapa are regarding the local football giants for a reason – they aren’t conquered easily and are known for their tireless drive for the win.

With multiple experienced players in their team, Tupapa’s midfielders Anthony Samuela and Paavo Mustonen will be tough to defend against.

The duo will be hoping to provide their deadly forwards Geoffrey Strickland and Maru Tearaitoa with opportunities for much-needed goals against Nikao’s Jack Poiri and Tamaiva Mateariki. 

This game is no doubt the most important match for 2021 as the champion club will not only claim the Premiership Trophy but also $7000 prize money and will represent the Cook Islands at the OFC Champions League 2022.

Fans are being urged to come down to the CIFA Complex tomorrow and find out who will claim the 2021 Tower Insurance Premiership title.

Meanwhile, the ladies in black Tupapa will take on Nikao Sokattak today at CIFA Complex, at 5pm. Tupapa side has already claimed the Round Cup title and will be looking to further their lead, while the Nikao side will want a win to keep their fourth place.

Playing before the senior women today will be the BSP U15 Boys. The BSP U15 Girls will play in the curtain raiser to the battle of the year in the premier men’s division tomorrow.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Today at the CIFA complex, Matavera – 4pm Under 15 Boys Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC (Ref: Kataraina Piri, Assist: Gideon Pouao, Poko Manuela), 5pm Senior Women   Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Kataraina Piri, Gideon Pouao). Tomorrow at the CIFA complex, Matavera – 4pm Under 15 Girls Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC (Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: Theressa Kaukura, Noovao Blake), 5pm Premier Men Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC (Ref: Terry Piri, Assist: John Pareanga, Maara Kaukura).