Bayelsa Sweeps The Stakes At AITEO Cup finale

For the first time in the history of Nigeria’s Cup competitions, one State claimed both the women’s and men’s football titles as second-tier Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens were crowned winners of the 2021 AITEO Cup competition in Benin City, Edo State on Sunday.

Epic battles were fought by both teams in each of the finals under driving rain, and an avalanche of 10 goals made the encounter thrilling for football fans at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. It was a delightful experience for dignitaries and spectators as the AITEO Cup returned with fanfare and pomp after the global coronavirus pandemic forced cancellation of the competition last year.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseeki was present, as well as the Deputy Governors of Edo, Bayelsa, and Nasarawa States. NFF President and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick was also present, along with AITEO’s Head of Corporate Communications Ndiana Matthew.

In the men’s final, Bayelsa United defeated Nasarawa United 4-3 on penalties after the regular period and added time ended in a 2-2 draw.

NPFL side Nasarawa United had no reason to under-rate Bayelsa United, aware that the boys coached by former international Dipreye Teibowei had emerged victorious against NPFL giants Rangers International, Lobi Stars and Rivers United on their way to the final.

Yet, they were slack to things as Inikurogha Okardi smashed in from the right in the 19th minute. The loud ovation that greeted the goal was still on when Chinedu Ohanachom sent a pile driver past goalkeeper John Shaibu for the leveller. In the 26th minute, Aliyu Abdullahi shot the Solid Miners in front.

Then 10 minutes later, Emo James rose highest in the box to nod home a sweet equalizer for the Bayelsa boys. The second period was a tight and tense affair that, however, produced no goal. In the ensuing penalty shootout, the boys from Bayelsa prevailed 4-3 to claim its first-ever national silverware.

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Bayelsa United pocketed the sum of N25million for their triumph, with Nasarawa United earning N10million. The Top Scorer award went to Gafaar Olafimihan of 3SC, while Nasarawa United goalkeeper Mohammed Galadima claimed the Most Valuable Player award.

Bayelsa United will also represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

BAYESLA QUEENS

The Bayelsa Queens were awarded N10million after beating FC Robo Queens of Lagos 4-2 to win the Women’s Aiteo Cup final. FC Robo Queens returned to Lagos with N5million after coming second place in the competition.

Bayelsa Queens’ livewire Mary Anjor set the ball rolling for a fruitful day for the ‘Glory of all Lands’ when she tapped in her eighth goal of the competition in the 15th minute of the women’s final to put her team ahead. FC Robo’s captain Gift Monday replied sharply four minutes later.

However, Juliet Sunday scored in the 37th minute, while Peace Efih added another in the 43rd minute to ensure the girls from Yenagoa held a comfortable lead going into the break. After the break, Habibat Akinwande pulled one back for Robo in the 65th minute.

However, substitute Joy Bokiri made the game safe with a spectacular fourth goal from a free kick 22 yards. The match 4-2 as Bayelsa Queens’ Mary Anjor emerged the Top Scorer of the women’s competition, and also claimed the Most Valuable Player award.

Bayelsa Queens are the 8th different team to win the Women’s FA Cup. It is their first Cup victory in their history. They didn’t concede a single goal in the 2021 AITEO Cup until the final game of the competition.

Rivers Angels and Ibom Angels were the last team to reach the AITEO Cup final without conceding a goal.

Chidi Nwoke/NFF.