Enyimba, Sharks, Dolphins through to Federation Cup quarter final

The Peoples Elephant led other Nigeria Premier League topflight teams to the quarter final stage of the oldest football competition in the country

Nigeria Premier League outfits Enyimba, Dolphins and Sharks have all booked a place to the next round of the Federation Cup after securing victories in their round of 16 games on Wednesday afternoon.

Sharks saw off the resistance of Dynamites of Benin 2-0 at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti with the Blue Angels getting their goals through Kelly Kester and Christian Pyagbara. The will face reigning champions Enyimba in the quarter final of the competition.

Defending champions Enyimba kept the dream of a back to back conquest alive by silencing Nembe City 2-1 in the game played at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure. A brace from Mfon Udoh got the Peoples Elephant to the next stage of the competition despite their opponents effort to pull a comeback.

Dolphins and Lobi Stars will square up in another interesting quarter final clash. The Pride of Port Harcourt stopped El Kanemi Warriors progression 1-0 through Emem Eduok strike in Lafia while the Makurdi based team conquered Plateau United 6-5 on penalty shootout at the Bako Kotangora Stadium, Minna. Both sides got their goals from the penalty spot in the first half of the hotly contested tie. Bunde Moses converted for Lobi in the 15th minute while Charles Okafor evenned from the 12 yard too in the 38th minute for Plateau United.

Crown FC of Ogbomosho and Giwa FC will renew their rivalry in the quarter final of the Federation Cup after both clubs overcame tough opponents in the round of 16. The Ajilete Boys held their nerves to beat highly rated Nasarawa United 5-4 on penalty kicks after the regulation time had ended 1-1. Nasarawa United did get their goal through Okan Ogunosi but they eventually crumbled during the penalty shootout.

Prime FC of Oshogbo won the battle of National League sides after they defeated First Bank 3-2 on penalties. Regulation time scores had ended 1-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. The Omoluabi Giants will face the winner of Bayelsa United and Gateway United tango fixed for Abuja on Friday evening.


RESULTS AT A GLANCE

Enyimba 2-1 Nembe City
Sharks 2-0 Dynamites
Crown 1-1 Nasarawa United (Crown triumphed 5-4 on penalties)
Bendel Insurance 0-1 Giwa FC
Lobi Stars 1-1 Plateau United ( Lobi progressed 5-4 on penalties)
El Kanemi 0-1 Dolphins
First Bank 1-1 Prime FC  ( Prime scaled through 3-2 on penalties