NPFL Champions 2016/2017 season, Plateau United have set their gaze on the AITEO Cup and are not intending to back down. Following their 2:1 victory over the Nigerian National League (NNL) with Akwa Starlet in the round of 16 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Wednesday. The Champions have advanced to the quarter-finals.
After a goalless first half, Plateau United clinched the lead with a goal from Jimmy Ambrose in the 54th minute. Akwa Starlet proved a formidable opponent and made it extremely difficult for the NPFL champions. In the 82nd minute, Hamzat Owolabi put in another goal in favour of Plateau United to solidify their lead at 2-nil.
Awka Starlet managed a goal in the 89th minute from Aniekeme Asuquo to make it 2-1. At this point it was already too late as the NPFL Champions held up their guard until the game ended, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Aiteo Cup holders FC Ifeanyi-Ubah who defeated 10-man Heartland 3-1 in Nnewi have also progressed to the quarter-finals.
Ikenna Hillary scored a goal for FC Ifeanyi-Ubah, while Godwin Obaje scored two; one in the 11th minute, (Heartland skipper Julius Ubido was sent off) after which Francis Momoh equalised in the 47th minute to make it 1-1, and a penalty in the extra time, 91st minute precisely.
Akwa United also proceeded to the quarter-finals, after defeating Shooting Stars of Ibadan (3SC) 5-1 on Wednesday in Uyo.
Following their Relegation from the NPFL, ABS has remained undeterred as they drummed out Unicem Rovers 1-0 at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
Osun United defeated visiting El-Kanemi Babes 2-1 at the Oshogbo Township Stadium, while FC Abuja and Niger Tornadoes ended their tie 0-0 and will have a rematch on Saturday in Minna.
Ngwa FC lost to Sunshine Stars 3-1 in Abakaliki, surceasing their title run.
