HOLDERS Kano Pillars have been knocked out of the AITEO Cup (Nigeria’s FA Cup) after a quarterfinal defeat to Sunshine Stars on Friday.
Yusuf Sadeeq scored the only goal of the clash in the 48th minute in Lokoja to send Pillars packing.
Sunshine Stars, who are battling to fend off relegation from the Nigeria Professional Football League, will meet Nasarawa United in the semi-finals.
NPFL contenders Nasarawa United saw off Nigeria National League campaigners Gombe United to set up the tie with Sunshine.
Silas Nwaknwo’s 45th minute strike was enough to take the Lafia side to the last four.
In the other quarter-final encounters, Rivers United edged out Niger Tornadoes 1-0, while Bayelsa United beat Gateway United 5-4 on penalties after the battle of NNL sides ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Rivers United of Port Harcourt will face neighbours Bayelsa United in the second semi-final.
AITEO Cup quarter-final results
Nasarawa United 1-0 Gombe United
Kano Pillars 0-1 Sunshine Stars
Rivers United 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
Bayelsa United 1-1 Gateway United (Bayelsa United won 5-4 on penalties)
Semi-final fixtures
Sunshine Stars vs Nasarawa United
Rivers United vs Bayelsa United
