Nasarawa United beat Bendel Insurance 2-1 in the round of sixteen Aiteo Cup tournament courtesy of a double from Sunday Okereke, booking a quarter-final spot at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
Okereke dazzled his way from the halfway line after being released by Osanga to open the scoring in the 18th minute for Nasarawa United. However, Bendel Insurance rallied back to equalise in spectacular fashion eight minutes later.
High-flying Stephen Adodo drew level with his strike after an assist from Benjamin Tanimu. Both sides created a few chances, but the first-half end 1-1 apiece.
Six minutes into the second-half, Chinedu Ohanachom was fouled inside the box after picking a pass from Ugochukwu Gabriel, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Okereke stepped up to convert from twelve yards, his second of the afternoon, and third goal in two consecutive games in the competition this year.
Nasarawa United goalkeeper Godwin had to be at his best as he palmed out a goal-bound effort at the dying stages of the game as Bendel looked to find its way back into the match. However, 2-1 was the full-time scoreline, as Nasarawa United again dumped the Benin Ara signal out of the knockout competition for the second consecutive year.
“I feel very good to score on this ground again after scoring in the league. This is because the ground favours me and my team a lot and it looks like I have already mastered this surface,” Sunday Okereke said after the match.
“My target is to become the highest goal scorer with the support of my teammates and win the title and get a continental ticket, which is why we always give our best.”
Nasarawa United will face Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi in the quarter-final on Wednesday, 10th August, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, by 4pm (Nigerian time).
Aiteo Cup Round of 16 Results
Lobi Stars 1-0 Akure City
Katsina United 1-1 Sunshine Stars (5-3 on penlties)
Nasarawa United 2-1 Bendel insurance
Wikki Tourists 0-0 Elkanemi Warriors (5-4 on penlties)
Heartland FC 1-1 Dakkada FC (5-4 on penalties)
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Green Beret
Kano Pillars 2-0 DMD FC.
