Aiteo Cup: Upsets! As Big Guns Crash Out

Aiteo Cup: Upsets! As Big Guns Crash Out By Omolagba Oluwayemi Upsets are what football cup games are known for all-over the world and the second round of the 2021 Aiteo Cup is not devoid of any BSNSports.com.ng reports. It was a massive shock to football loving fans across Nigeria as league leaders, Akwa United got knocked out by Gateway United in the second round. Understandably, many believed Akwa took the cup game of little importance with their eyes set on winning the league title which will be the first time in their entire history and also the first since the creation of Akwa Ibom State. Another massive shock was Rangers losing to Bayelsa United. Although not so consistent in the league, Rangers were expected to get past Bayelsa United to the round 16 but reverse was the case as Stanley Eguma's team stumbled by a lone goal to the Yenagoa based team. Kano Pillars kicked off their cup defense with a 4-2 win over Lagos based Smart City FC. Although not an easy game as the scoreline suggested but the Sai Masu Gida marched on for a place in the round 16. Sunshine Stars of Akure, Heartland FC of Owerri, El Kanemi Warriors and Green Beret all progressed after penalty wins. Merciless Abia Warriors pummeled Zamfara United 5-0 in what was seen as a warning signal sent to rivals in the cup. The Imama Amakakabo's side who of recent had struggled for points in the league showed the strength of their squad giving Zamfara United no chance at all althrough the game. AITEO CUP Second Round Results Smart City 2-4 Kano Pillars Gateway Utd 1-0 Akwa Utd Katsina Utd 0-0 El-kanemi Warr. (5-3 on penelties) MaiUnguwa 0-2 N. Tornadoes Sunshine Stars 1-1 Kogi Utd (6-5 on penelties) Abia Warriors 5-0 Zamfara Utd Yobe Desert 0-1 Lobi Stars Ekiti Utd 0-0 Heartland FC ( 4-5 on penelties) Rivers Utd 2-1 Sokoto Utd Rangers Int'l 0-1 Bayelsa Utd Green Berets 5-4 Warri Wolves on penelties