Exclusive News
Enyimba Football Club have moved into the round of 32 of the Aiteo Cup following a 3-1 win against Kano Pillars Feeders in an eventful match at the Illorin Township Stadium this evening.
Orok Ibitham, one of few introduction in a fairly reshuffled lineup, scored a first half brace to give the People’s Elephants a slender lead at halftime, before Bashir Abdulrahaman’s strike later on widened the margin for Usman Abd’Allah’s side, who were playing for the first time since been crowned NPFL champions for a record eighth time.
After an effervescent start in which Pillars never failed to make known their ability to sting, Orok gave the NPFL champions the lead in the twelfth minute when he tucked in a loose ball following an incursion into the box by Freedom Omofoman.
The opponents drew level eleven minutes later, with inspirational captain Umar Shehu scoring from the spot after Stanley Okorom clumsily felled Mubarak Sani in the box.
Orok, however, restored Enyimba’s lead on the half hour, this time with a sublime curler from the edge of the box after being played through by Abdulrahaman.
Abdulrahaman secured the win shortly after the restart, and guaranteed the People’sElephants’ place in the round of 32 when he picked a perfectly laid pass by Chukwuka Onuwa to blast into the roof of the net.
Enyimba have been drawn to face Smart City FC in the round of 32, with the fixture to be played in Benin on Wednesday.
