THERE were some upsets on Wednesday evening in the round of 16 of the AITEO Cup (Nigeria’s FA Cup), with Nigeria Professional Football League clubs Lobi Stars, Abia Warriors and Wikki Tourists getting eliminated by lower league opposition.
Lobi Stars were dismissed 2-0 by second-tier Bayelsa United, while Abia Warriors succumbed 3-2 to another Nigeria National League side Niger Tornadoes.
Wikki Tourists on their part lost out 4-3 on penalties to NNL side Gateway after full-time ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
A fourth NPFL club were also sent packing on Wednesday, Plateau United losing 3-1 to fellow top flight side Nasarawa United.
However, NPFL clubs Kano Pillars and Sunshine Stars squeezed through against lower league opponents after tense ties.
Pillars needed penalties to eliminate Kebbi United, winning 3-2 after a goalless full-time.
Sunshine Stars also survived a penalty shootout to beat Army team Green Beret 5-4 after regulation time ended 0-0.
In the other fixtures of the round, Rivers United overcame fellow NPFL campaigners Heartland 2-1, while Gombe United defeated Katsina United 5-4 on penalties.
The quarter-final draw was done after the round of 16 games, with Kano Pillars versus Sunshine Stars the most eye-catching of the fixtures.
In the other quarter-final ties, NNL sides Gateway and Bayelsa United will do battle, Rivers United will face Niger Tornadoes, and Nasarawa United will clash with Gombe United.
ROUND OF 16 RESULTS
Lobi Stars 0-2 Bayelsa
Nasarawa United 3-1 Plateau United
Kebbi United 0-0 Kano Pillars
(Penalties 2-3)
Tornadoes 3-2 Abia Warriors
Wikki Tourist 0-0 Gateway
(Penalties 3-4)
Sunshine Stars 0-0 Green Beret
(Penalties 5-4)
Heartland FC 1-2 Rivers United
Katsina 1-1 Gombe United
(Penalties 4-5)
QUARTER-FINAL FIXTURES:
Gateway United vs Bayelsa United
Kano Pillars vs Sunshine Stars
Rivers United vs Niger Tornadoes
Nasarawa United vs Gombe United
