Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Akwa United defeated second-division side FC One Rocket 4-1 to retain the Akwa Ibom State FA Cup on Monday, reports www.aclsports.com.
After edging Dakkada on penalties in the semis, the Promise Keepers were huge favourites to win the final and they were right on their way when Abbey Benson and Uche Collins handed them a two-goal lead midway through first-half.
Imam Bala then pulled one back for Ndubuisi Ndah’s side before Cyril Olisema restored the two-goal cushion before halftime. Wisdom Fernando’s attempt in stoppage time came off Rockets defender Charles Etim to end the game in style for Deji Ayeni’s side.
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In Abia State, Enyimba retained the State FA Cup with a comfortable 4-1 win in the final against Ahudiya Nnem FC at the Enyimba Stadium. Emeka Obioma and Ikenna Cooper scored between Moses Omoduemuke’s brace as the People’s Elephant took no prisoners against their opponents who already showed giant-killing tendencies on their way to the final. Former Federation Cup winners Heartland defeated Eburuaja 3-0 in the Imo State final thanks to goals from Chibuzor Ekeocha, Fabian Omaka and Chidiebere Ajoku.
In Benue State, Lobi Stars exercised their superiority once again by beating Red and Black Flames 3-1 in the final. In-form Joseph Atule scored alongside Mustapha Danazimi and Hassan Anas for the Pride of Benue, while Nwaogu Benjamin grabbed Flames’ solitary goal.
NPFL Group A leaders Bendel Insurance also showed their class in the Edo State FA Cup, winning the title without conceding a goal after beating Feeders team 2-0 in the one-sided final. Imade Osarenkhoe and Adodo Stephen were the goalscorers for the Benin Arsenals. In Bayelsa State, Bayelsa United advanced to the final after a 2-0 win over Rich Destiny. The final match will be played on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Shooting Stars laboured to a 1-0 win over third-division side Ilaji FC in the Oyo State final. Joshua Akpan scored the game’s only goal to help the Oluyole Warriors clinch the trophy for the first time in over two editions.
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In Ogun State, Nigeria National League (NNL) side Gateway FC narrowly defeated Beyond Limits Football Academy at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode. Omolaoye Abiodun’s goal minutes before the hour-mark was enough for Gateway to see off the resilient Ikenne side.
In Delta State, Warri Wolves walloped Excellent FC 5-0 to book a place in the final where they will face Osevan FC of Kwale in a yet to be announced date. Meanwhile, NPFL team Sunshine Stars retained the Ondo State FA Cup after thrashing Adamimogo FC 4-0 in the final. Jide Jimoh came off the bench to score a hattrick, while former Enyimba forward Stephen Chukwude got the other goal.
NPFL side Kwara United needed penalties to beat ABS in the Kwara State cup Final after it finished goalless in regulation time. In the same vein, Niger Tornadoes Feeders became champions of Niger State by defeating Maikunkele United 6-5 via penalties after a goalless affair in normal time at the Bako Kontagora Stadium Minna. Maikunkele had eliminated NPFL side Niger Tornadoes in the semi final.
In Katsina State, Katsina United edged Malumfashi 1-0, while FC Basira shocked NPFL side Nasarawa United 1-0 in the Nasarawa State Final to clinch the trophy. Ibrahim Adamu scored the game’s only goal.
In Plateau State, Elisha Golbe’s penalty earned Plateau United the title at the expense of Mighty Jets in a keenly contested final. In Lagos State, Ikorodu City will compete for the title against Smart City Feeders at a later date.
