Enugu Rangers, Enyimba, Kwara United, and Remo Stars are the four Nigeria Professional Football League teams knocked out of the Aiteo Cup in the round of 32 by lesser-known clubs, according to ANAEDOONLINE.NG Sports Extra.
Four-time champions Enyimba were defeated 6-5 on penalties by Niger Tornadoes after regulation time ended goalless in Ijebu Ode.
Tornadoes advanced to the round of 16 despite Ekene Awazie’s miss in sudden death, defeating the two-time African champions, who finished seventh in the NPFL last season.
At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, 2018 NPFL champions Enugu Rangers suffered same fate in the Oriental Derby as they lost 8-7 to Heartland on penalties after full time stood at 1-1.
Nonso Nzediegwu’s late equaliser helped Heartland, just relegated from the NPFL, cancel out Ossy Martins’ opener for Rangers.
The Naze Millionaires eventually prevailed in the marathon shoot-out to nick a spot in the next round.
In Abuja, Kwara United’s dream of qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup went up in smoke as they also lost 4-3 on penalties to Wikki Tourist after a hard-fought 90 minutes finished 1-1.
Kwara’s Alao Dabani’s early strike was canceled by Victor Dawa before the Afonja Warriors lost the ensuing shootout.
2018 Aiteo Cup: Remarkable Comeback From Rangers
In Enugu, a hat-trick by winger Samuel Amadi gave 2017 champions Akwa United a comfortable 3-0 win over Remo Stars at the UNEC Stadium.
Sunshine Stars also hammered Rovers of Calabar 5-1 at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi.
Chigozie Chilekwu scored a brace, while further goals from Ikenna Cooper, Chinedu Ozor and Samson Olasupo completed the rout.
In other results, 2019 champions Kano Pillars annihilated Nigeria National League side Zamfara United 5-0 to advance to the last 16 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
Nasarawa United beat Sokoto United 11-10 on penalties after regulation time ended 1-1.
Meanwhile, newly promoted NPFL side Doma United lost 3-0 to Lobi Stars in Jos, while Bendel Insurance also needed penalties to beat Ottasolo FC in Ilorin. They won 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1.
In Enugu, defending champions Bayelsa United were knocked out by second division side Green Berets on penalties at the UNEC stadium, as the round of 32 games were concluded on Wednesday.
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