AiteoCup: Pillars, Nasarawa reach last eight; Lobi ousted

High flying Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sides Kano Pillars and Nasarawa United on Wednesday advanced to the last eight of the 2021 Aiteo Cup but 2003 champions Lobi Stars were ousted by a lower division side.

Playing in Minna, 2019 champions Pillars were held 0-0 by Kebbi United but Sai Masu Gida triumphed 3-2 on penalties to book a spot to face Sunshine Stars who also defeated Green Beret 5-4 on penalties with goalkeeper Henry Ayodele once again the hero.

Nasarawa United recorded a resounding win over fellow top tier side Plateau United in Lokoja to also advance. Anas Yusuf scored twice while league’s topscorer Silas Nwankwo added a third as the Solid Miners ran out 3-1 winners.

The shock of the day came at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri where second division Bayelsa United outclassed Lobi Stars 2-0. Two first half goals by Emo James and Inikurogha Okardi gave United the win.

Bayelsa United will now face fellow second division side Gateway United who outlasted NPFL side Wikki Tourists in Enugu after penalty shootout. Gateway won the spot kicks 4-3 after regulation time had ended 0-0.

Rivers United thrashed neighbours Heartland 3-1 in a pulsating contest at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba. Goals from Sunday Adetunji as well as substitutes Paul Acquah and Fortune Omoniwari gave United a hard earned win and a place against Niger Tornadoes in the quarter final.

Tornadoes pulled off an impressive 3-2 win over Abia Warriors in Makurdi to book a quarter final place. The Ikon Allah Boys, beaten finalists in 2017 and 2019 raced to a 3-1 lead midway through the second half before winger Yakub Hammed reduced the arrears for Imama Amapakabo’s team.

Round of 16 Results

Gateway 0 (4) – 0 (3) Wikki Tourists

Katsina Utd 1 (4) – 1 (5) Gombe Utd

Green Beret 0 (4) – 0 (5) Sunshine Stars

Kano Pillars 0 (3) – 0 (2) Kebbi United

Abia Warriors 2-3 Niger Tornadoes

Plateau United 1-3 Nasarawa United

Heartland 1-3 Rivers United

Bayelsa United 2-0 Lobi Stars

Quarter final fixtures