NFF Says Kogi United Are In Final of Lopsided Aiteo Cup Without Kicking A Ball

NFF Says Kogi United Are In Final of Lopsided Aiteo Cup Without Kicking A Ball                              

The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) on Thursday in a press release stated that Kogi United have qualified for the final of the 2022 Aiteo Cup without kicking a ball from the quarterfinal.

Recall that five teams withdrew from honouring the quarterfinals of Aiteo Cup following the federation decision to submit Kwara United name to CAF as Nigeria representative in the 2022/23 CAF Confederation Cup. Ordinarily, Champions of Aiteo Cup automatically pick the slot to play at the competition .

The NFF through its media Department wrote, 

"Kogi United, who walked over Kano Pillars in Makurdi, were programmed to meet the winner of the clash between Wikki Tourists and Nasarawa United. Both the Solid Miners and the Tourists failed to turn up in Kaduna. On that score, Kogi United are through to next week’s grand finale, to play the winner of the semi final tie between Niger Tornadoes and Heartland FC.

 "Giant-killers Heartland FC of Owerri will square up with Niger Tornadoes of Minna in the first semi final of this year’s AITEO Cup competition. The match will hold at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on Sunday, 14th August.

Tornadoes, who had bumped Dreams FC, Enyimba FC and Green Beret on their way, walked over Lobi Stars of Makurdi, who failed to show up for their quarter final clash in Jos on Wednesday.

Heartland, conquerors of Enugu Rangers on penalty shoot-out, and who also edged Dakkada FC on penalties, saw the back of Katsina United at the Kwara Sports Stadium, Ilorin after another penalty shootout. The Owerri landlords won 4-1 in the shootout after both teams ended it 0-0 in regulation time. 

The grand finale of this year’s AITEO Cup competition, for both the men’s and women’s events, will hold at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa on Wednesday, 17th August.