Goals from Nzube Anaezemba and Joel Djondang sealed a 2-1 Kano Pillars victory over Kwara United, a result which ensured Sai Masu Gida’s progression to the quarterfinal of the Aiteo Cup.
Kwara headed into the fixture with qualification already secured on the back of successive wins, while Pillars required maximum points to stand a chance of progression from Group C.
Anaezemba put Pillars ahead with a well-worked goal in the 52nd-minute, but Segun Alebiosu leveled with a stunning free-kick – his fourth goal of the Round of 16 – in the 75th-minute.
However, Pillars dug deep, Djondang with the match-winner four minutes from time, a result which ensured Kano Pillars finished in second place behind Kwara United.
Shedrack Asiegbu’s 75th-minute strike sealed a 1-0 victory for Abia Warriors against Rivers United. Despite the win that ensured the Warriors tallied six points in Group C, the same as Kano Pillars, they finished in third-place due to a -2 goal difference, an outcome that confirmed their elimination from this year’s competition.
Nasarawa United stunned Akwa United 2-0 on the final day of Group D fixtures at the Aba Centre in the Aiteo Cup to emerge group winners ahead of the champions, who finished in second place.
Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers and Sunshine Stars played out a goalless draw in Kano. Despite the result, Rangers finished top of the group with five points, while Sunshine Stars are eliminated after playing out three straight draws in the group.
Quarterfinal pairings
Gombe
Enyimba vs. Kano Pillars
Kano
Enugu Rangers vs. Akwa United
Lagos
Kwara United vs. Katsina United
Aba
Nasarawa United vs. El Kanemi Warriors