Three NPFL clubs, Akwa United, Enugu Rangers and Warri Wolves slumped to surprise defeats to NNL sides in 2021 Aiteo Cup round of 32 games on Wednesday.
Ilechukwu Julius’ 42nd goal was all Gateway United needed to eliminate NPFL table toppers, Akwa United in a pulsating encounter at FIFA Goal Project pitch inside MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Enugu Rangers also kissed the competition bye after being edged 1-0 by Bayelsa United while Warri Wolves fell 5-4 on penalties to Green Berets, after both sides battled to 1-1 in regulation time.
Abia Warriors recorded the biggest win of the round, trouncing Zamfara United 5-0, to advance to the round of 16 alongside other NPFL clubs, Katsina United, Rivers United, Kano Pillars, Sunshine Stars, Heartland and Lobi Stars, all of whom managed victories against lowly teams.
The Cup holder, Kano Pillars defeated Smart City 4-2 to advance into round of 16 hoping to defend the title they won in 2019.
The tie involving Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and Gombe United at Confluence Stadium, Lokoja was rescheduled for Thursday, July 8, due to the former’s involvement in an NNL game with Go Round FC in Omoku on Monday.
Aiteo Cup Round 32 Full Results
Smart City 2-4 Kano Pillars
Gateway United 1-0 Akwa United
Katsina Utd 0-0 El-kanemi Warriors.(5-3 pen)
MaiUnguwa 0-2 Niger Tornadoes
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Kogi United (6-5 pen)
Abia Warriors 5-0 Zamfara United
Yobe Desert 0-1 Lobi Stars
Ekiti United 0-0 Heartland FC ( 4-5 pen)
Rivers United 2-1 Sokoto United
Rangers Int’l 0-1 Bayelsa United
Green Berets 1-1 Warri Wolves(5 -4 pen)
