Gateway United Football Club of Abeokuta on Wednesday in Abuja beat Akwa United FC of Uyo to advance into the Round of 16 of the ongoing 2021 AITEO Cup Competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that in the match played at the FIFA Goal Project pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Gateway United scored through Ikechukwu Julius.
The Nigeria National League side scored in the opening minute of the second half to stun the Uyo-based Akwa United who presently lead the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League.
The two teams however lost several goalscoring chances thereafter as both struggled to establish dominance.
Speaking after the Round of 32 match, the Head Coach of Gateway United, Akeem Busari, commended the Akwa United team for their doggedness.
“Being NPFL table-toppers, we give kudos and respect them because they put in their best,” he said.
Busari however dedicated the victory to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, saying it was a birthday gift for him.
On his part, the Assistant Coach of Akwa United, Umar Abdullahi, expressed disappointment that they lost to an NNL team.
“We feel disappointed in the players. Even if we are going to lose, it should not be in the round of 32,” Abdullahi said.
In other matches played in the competition, Bayelsa United of Yenagoa defeated 2018 Cup champions Rangers International FC of Enugu.
Sunshine Stars defeated Kogi United 6-5 after a penalty kicks shootout, following a 1-1 draw at full time, while Lobi Stars of Makurdi defeated Yobe Stars of Damaturu 1-0.