Federation Cup Lobi, Gombe advance as rain disrupts Pillars fixture

Lobi Stars Jonah Abutu scored to hand his side a slim 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes of Minna at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium just as Sharks of Port-Harcourt duo of Bright Ejike and Gomo Onduku scored in the 3-1 defeat of First Bank of Lagos in Lokoja. Prime FC which eliminated Wikki Tourists of Bauchi […]

Lobi Stars Jonah Abutu scored to hand his side a slim 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes of Minna at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium just as Sharks of Port-Harcourt duo of Bright Ejike and Gomo Onduku scored in the 3-1 defeat of First Bank of Lagos in Lokoja.

Prime FC which eliminated Wikki Tourists of Bauchi continued with its impressive run in the competition with a 5-1 white-wash of Gamji FC.

At the Lokoja Township Stadium, NPL side Gombe United cut short the dream of giant killers, Fame Academy of Lagos with a slim 1-0 win while in Abuja, Plateau United coached by former BCC Lions playmaker Patrick Mancha ousted fellow National League side, Ranchers Bee 2-0.

Speaking on his team’s victory over Niger Tornadoes, Dominic Iorfa said the better side won the match which he described as difficult.

He said it was a difficult game but his boys played according to the game plan and were able to subdue their opponents.

Iorfa who led Lobi to victory in 2003 in the then Challenge Cup said the club is targeting a second title and would not allow any room for complacency.

“Well it was not an easy game but we played better. I am happy with my players’ performance. We came to Bauchi with a game plan and we were able to stick to it and that was why we won.

“Now that we have qualified for the round of 16, we would try to maintain the momentum. Don’t forget we are former champions and if our ambition is to win a second title, I think it is not impossible”, he stated.

Meanwhile, due to heavy down pour, the match between Kogi United and former Champions Enyimba FC of Aba was stopped.

The tie between Kaduna United and Kano Pillars was equally put off.

The two matches will be played today at the same venue.