AITEO CUP: Four NNL Clubs Book Quarter-Final Spots

AITEO CUP: Four NNL Clubs Book Quarter-Final Spots By Omolagba Oluwayemi The Nigeria National League clubs are holding their own against the big boys from the Professional League as four of them oust NPFL clubs to book a quarter-final ticket, BSNSports.com.ng reports. Bayelsa United defeated Lobi Stars 2-0 to make it two conquest against NPFL clubs as they book a quarter-final spot. The former NPFL champions has shown they've got what it takes to play against the big guns, Rangers Int'l in the second round and now Abia Warriors in the third round, Bayelsa United will look to take it a step further against fellow NNL side, Gateway United in the quarter-final. Gateway United like Bayelsa United on their way to the quarter-finals have also defeated two NPFL clubs, Akwa United in the second round and Wikki Tourist in the third round. The resurgence of Sunshine Stars has been the talk of the town as the Akure gunners have put up some decent performances in recent weeks which has seen them book a quarter-final spot but will have their hands full in the next round as they'll be going head-to-head against the defending champions, Kano Pillars. Pillars on their way to the quarter-finals didn't find it easy as they had to overcome stubborn Kebbi United 3-2 on penalties after a goalless affair in the regulation time. The Sai Masu Gida will face a more difficult task against a team that defeated them on Sunday (Sunshine Stars) and will need to cross their huddle before thinking of defending the cup they won two years ago. Niger Tornadoes ended Imama Amapakabo's Abia Warriors cup run beating them to the quarter-final spot 3-2 while Nasarawa United were just too strong for their North Central rival, Plateau United, whipping them by 3 goals to one to set up a quarter-final clash against Gombe United. Gombe on their own defeated Kastina United 5-4 on penalties. Rivers United gets the better of Heartland FC 2-1 in their third round tie and will now face Niger Tornadoes next. 3rd Round Results FT: Lobi Stars 0-2 Bayelsa Utd FT:Nasarawa Utd 3-1 Plateau Utd FT:Kebbi Utd 0-0 Kano Pillars (Pen 2-3) FT:N. Tornadoes 3-2 Abia Warriors FT:Wikki Tourist 0-0 Gateway Utd (Pen 3-4) FT:Sunshine Stars 0-0 Green Beret (Pen 5-4) FT:Heartland FC 1-2 Rivers Utd FT:Katsina Utd 1-1Gombe Utd (Pen 4-5) Quarterfinal Fixtures Gateway United vs Bayelsa United Kano Pillars vs Sunshine Stars Rivers United vs Niger Tornadoes Nasarawa United vs Gombe United