Aiteo Cup: NNL sides knock out Akwa United, Rangers

Two Nigerian National League (NNL) sides-Gateway United and Bayelsa United, on Wednesday knocked out Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs-Akwa United and Rangers, out of the 2021 Aiteo Cup.

The Ogun State-based Gateway United earned a 1- 0 win over NPFL log leaders Akwa United in the second round of the 2021 Aiteo Cup at the FIFA Goal Project, Games Village, Abuja.

Julius Ikechukwu got the goal for the NNL side in the 43rd minute, and that was enough for Gateway to advance to the round of 16.

Bayelsa also picked up a major scalp as they beat NPFL giants and six-time Aiteo Cup champions, Rangers, 1-0 at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode.

Beniangba Victory’s goal in the 20th minute was enough to send the Flying Antelopes out of Aiteo Cup.

Christian Nnaji and Elijah Ani of Rangers did all they could to level the game but John Shaibu proved too stubborn between the sticks.

Bayelsa could have increased the lead in the 39th minute but Ernest Governor cleared the line with goalkeeper Nana Bonsu out of position. Bonsu made saves in the 50th and 60th minutes that kept the Rangers in the game.

The Salisu Yusuf-managed side searched for a late equalizer and the coach introduced Godspower Aniefiok, Femi Ajayi, Daniel Vendaga, and Shedrack Asiegbu but none of the substitutes could find the goal they needed.

Afterward, Yusuf said that not taking their chances cost them the game.