Insurance, Sunshine Stars, others soldier on in Federation Cup

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Super Six hopefuls Bendel Insurance and Sunshine Stars led a cast of top division sides that soldiered on into the Federation Cup quarter finals on Wednesday.

Sunshine Stars who sealed a largely unexpected Super Six qualification on Sunday continued from where they stopped, beating EFCC – who eliminated former champions Akwa United in the last round – in a five-goal thriller.

Samson Olasupo, Jide Jimoh and Emmanuel Ogbuagu scored the goals that gave Edith Agoye’s Sunshine Stars a 3-2 win over the Anti-graft Boys at the Samuel Ogbemudia, Benin City.

At the Awka City Stadium, Bendel Insurance remained unbeaten in all competitions after a 1-0 win over Heartland FC sealed their place in the Federation Cup quarter finals.

Ismael Seriki scored the only goal of the game in the 47th minute as Monday Odigie’s side weathered all weather interruptions to hold off an equally in-form Heartland FC side.

Bidemi Owoku and Barnabas Daniel were on target as Doma United edged NNL side Edel FC 2-1 in Abuja to join other illustrious sides in the quarters while 2013 runners up Warri Wolves caused an upset, beating Gombe United 1-0 courtesy of Bravo Sodiq’s 89th minute goal.

Kwara United once again got the better of Nasarawa United after Samad Kadiri’s second half penalty handed Kabiru Dogo’s men a 1-0 win in Benin City

Another NPFL side Plateau United had to dig deep before beating non-league side Ingas FC of Enugu in Abuja. The Solid Miners found the winner five minutes from time.

Two more matches will be concluded on Thursday morning after they were rained out on Wednesday. Super Six campaigners Lobi Stars had overcome an early set back against Bendel Insurance Junior team in Owerri. Suur Kumaga 28′ and Joseph Atule 32′ with the quick-fire goals to put the scores at 2-1 before the pitch became unplayable, causing an adjournment till 8am on Thursday.

At the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, 2018 champions Rangers International were in cruise control against NNL side FC Ebedei before rain disrupted proceedings at half time.

Defender Innocent Gabriel, midfielder Saidu Adamu and rising youngster Austin Onyemaechi had scored to put Rangers 3-1 up before match officials adjourned also till Thursday morning due to the heavy downpour.

Women’s Draw

In the Women’s competition, semi final games will be decided on Thursday. Bayelsa Queens will face Edo Queens in Awka as Edo coach Moses Aduku will hope to get one over his former employers.

In Akure, two former champions Nasarawa Amazons and Rivers Angels will go toe-to-toe for a final spot. Angels had claimed a major scalp in hitherto unbeaten Delta Queens in the last round and Edwin Okon’s girls will hope to go one better with a final placement.