AITEO CUP 2022 : Nasarawa United Win Cagey Tie Over Sokoto United, To Play Insurance Of Benin In Round Of Sixteen

The Strong Miners surprised Sokoto United in a dramatic penalty shootout on the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, to win their spherical of 32 Aiteo Federation Cup tie 11-10 on Wednesday night after regulation time ended 1-1 apiece.

In a pulsating encounter that noticed many missed possibilities, it was the second division facet that opened scoring as early as within the sixteenth minute by Uche Collins after proper full-back, Abubakar Abdullahi was dispossessed.

Adamu Hassan had the ball at his ft however a poor contact and a fast response from the goalkeeper, George Abine, averted a direct equaliser.

The NNL facet would go on to dominate possession all through the first-half of the sport with Nasarawa United struggling to search out their rhythm, although Manga Mohammed got here near scoring from a lifeless ball scenario within the forty third minute.

After receiving some pep talks through the break, the Strong Miners made a blistering begin within the reversed half, reminding their opponents the stuff they’re made from.

Within the forty ninth minute, Chinedu Ohanachom discovered himself contained in the field however his acrobatic effort went off course.

Shortly after effecting some modifications, United gained a penalty off a nook kick. And a minute after coming in for Ikenna Offor, Sunday Okereke summoned the braveness to attract parity from twelve yards.

Sokoto United appeared to climate the storm and pushed ahead to reclaim the lead and nearly did, however had been unfortunate as their harmful ball cannoned off course.

Regardless of a number of goalscoring alternatives, neither facet was in a position to improve the tally because the scoreline remained unchanged until the ultimate whistle.

Penalty shootout was to find out which staff superior to the following spherical. Nasarawa United missed two of their first 5 kicks, and Sokoto United didn’t carry out any higher as rating was put at 3-3 apiece.

It was through the tie-breaker session that the Strong Miners gained the tension-soaked encounter, 11-10, with fast-rising sensation, Nentaka Bangs, calmly scoring the deciding purpose as Ajiji Gimba ballooned his staff’s last spot kick over the bar, sparking wild celebration among the many Strong Miners’ gamers, teaching, administration and backroom employees in addition to a handful of their supporters.

The FA Cup which gave United their best agony after they misplaced on penalties to Bayelsa United within the last in Benin Metropolis, Edo State, a 12 months in the past, has now supplied a terrific step forward of their quest to win it this time period.

Nasarawa United will now face Insurance coverage of Benin who not too long ago gained promotion to the elite home league, the NPFL, on the Enyimba FC Stadium, Aba, Abia State, on Saturday, sixth August, 2022, for the spherical of sixteen conflict.

Each groups confronted every on the spherical of 32 final 12 months, with United successful 3-1 in Enugu.

POST-MATCH REACTIONS
COACH Bala Nikyu, “Nicely, the Problem Cup is a sport of rigidity. It’s not just like the league that you’ll lose at present, and possibly win tomorrow – within the Problem Cup, if you happen to lose, you might be out of it.

“It’s not a simple sport for us at present as a result of we needed to come from behind to attract degree and win a nervous and prolonged penalty shootout.

“We started to rehearse penalty shootout even earlier than at present’s sport as a result of we knew something might occur in a sport like this, and we’re grateful that it labored for us.

“Sokoto United are a really, superb facet, and you realize they’re preventing critically to realize promotion to the elite league.

“Our goal is to play within the last of the Aiteo Cup this 12 months, as a result of we missed it final 12 months. I believe that’s the one solution to price our efficiency this season.”

Sule Isah Oroji, “Really, that’s simply the sport. Sadly, I gained’t speak concerning the referee. He did what he is aware of find out how to do finest.

“However I believe he was exhausting on us, nevertheless, I want Nasarawa United one of the best, as a result of they’re a very good facet with bunch of nice gamers.

“I give credit score to the Coaches who recruited the gamers.”

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