NPFL sides, Kano Pillars and Nasarawa United, have booked their spots in the quarterfinals of the 2022 Aiteo Cup, reports https://aclsports.com.
In Kaduna, 2019 champions Kano Pillars made light work of second division side DMD courtesy goals from skipper Rabiu Ali and Kabiru Sanusi.
2021 losing finalists Nasarawa United continued their quest for a first triumph in this competition by edging Bendel Insurance 2-1 in Aba. Sunday Okereke scored either side of Adodo Stephen’s goal for Insurance.
Meanwhile, it wasn’t a good return for Ondo State representatives in the competition as Sunshine Stars and Akure City Academy were both knocked out by Katsina United and Lobi Stars respectively.
In Asaba, former champions Heartland needed penalties to beat Dakkada after the game finished 1-1 in regulation time. Aniekan Ekpe, who had equalised from the spot to take the game to penalties earlier in the game, missed the only kick of the shootout.
Wikki Tourists also edged Elkanemi Warriors on penalties to book their place in the final eight, while Jonas Emmanuel’s goal was all Tornadoes needed to beat Green Beret in Abuja.
In the round’s final fixture, two-time champions Akwa United will face Kogi United at the UNEC Stadium in Enugu on Sunday.
AITEO CUP Round of 16 Results:
Lobi Stars 1-0 Akure City
Katsina United 1-1 (5-3) Sunshine Stars
Nasarawa United 2-1 Bendel Insurance
Wikki Tourists 0-0 (5-4) Elkanemi Warriors
Heartland FC 1-1 (5-4) Dakkada FC
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Green Beret
Kano Pillars 2-0 DMD FC
Sunday Fixture
Akwa United Vs Kogi United
