Seven-time winners of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Enyimba of Aba, became the biggest casualty of the Aiteo Cup first round games played on Wednesday when they lost 2-1 to ABS of Ilorin.
Enyimba, fielding a near full-strength team, failed to come through against ABS who they had defeated 3-0 at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar in an NPFL game last Sunday.
Goals from Samuel Oyedeji and inform Alalade Wasiu ensured that the Saraki Boys qualified for second round of the competition.
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote explained shortly after the game, “It’s a huge setback for the club.
“We’re going to have to lift everyone for our next game in the league.”
Meanwhile, in Ilorin, a brace from Segun Alebiosu and other strikes from Felix Ajunwa and Solomon Owello secured a place for Kwara United in the next round of the Aiteo Cup at the expense of Sokoto United.
In Owerri, Ebele Obi was the hero for Heartland FC who defeated Insurance on 5-4 penalties after regulation time ended goalless.
In Port Harcourt, J Atete from Delta State dumped Rivers United out of the competition via penalties. The Warri based outfit defeated the Pride of Rivers 7-6.
In Lafia, MFM lost 3-0 to Nasarawa United while at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars came through with a 3-1 win over Dynamite FC.
In other results, Abia Warriors defeated Crown FC 1-0, while Almar FC from Ogun State defeated Spartan FC 5-3 penalty after full time ended goalless.
The draw for the second round of matches will hold on Friday.
