Rivers United on Friday edged out Lobi Stars 5-3 on penalty kicks in their thrilling Aiteo Federation Cup quarter-final clash that ended goalless inside regulation time at the Ijebu Ode Stadium, Completesports.com reports.
In another Aiteo Federation quarter-final match played on Friday, Kano Pillars decimated Aklosendi 4-0 in Kaduna to book a semi-final ticket, while Calabar Rovers overcame Bendel Insurance 5-4 on penalties to progress to the last four at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Niger Tornadoes ensured giant Killers, Smart City did not go beyond the quarters with a 5-4 victory following a scoreless result at full time.
Rivers United have not conceded goal in the Aiteo Federation Cup race, but the all NPFL clubs clash at Ijebu Ode against Lobi Stars saw the ambitious sides serve out thrilling performance of extraordinary quality but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
This ensured the game dragged to a fitting scoreless close at full time, forcing the game to shift to tie-breaking penalty kicks with the Stanley “Zagalo” Eguma men prevailing 5-3 to set up a semi final clash against Niger Tornadoes who stopped the Giant Killers, Smart City, 5-4, also on penalties.
Kano Pillars easily saw off NNL side, Aklosendi 4-0 and would now battle it out with Calabar Rovers who stopped Monday Odigie’s Bendel Insurance 5-4 on penalty kicks after a scoreless situation in regulation time.
According to the semi final fixtures released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Kano Pillars will tackle Calabar Rovers for a place in the final while Rivers ‘The Pride of Rivers’ will clash with Niger Tornadoes in the second semi-final.
Semi-Final Fixtures
Kano Pillars Vs Calabar Rovers
Rivers United Vs Niger Tornadoes
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