2023 NEROS Pharmaceuticals Limited/Anambra State Football Association Cup winners, Ozalla Football Academy, on Valentines Day, 14 Friday, 2025, defeated Black Smithers FC, Awka, 4-3 On Penalty Kicks in the last quarter final match of the NEROS/ANSFA Cup, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Ozalla FA will now meet Edel FC, a Nigeria National League side, in the semi final slated for 19 February, 2025.

It proved a tough cracker for the 2023 champions who trailed 1-2 at half time. But the Ikenna Osueke Boys rallied round in the second half to tie the game at 2-2 before prevailing 4-3 from the ensuing spot kicks.

Osueke would be a relieved man as his boys had to dig deep on their experience and never-say-die spirit to see off the first timers, Black Smithers FC, in the gritty contest.

"We're happy to have won. This is FA Cup in which no team is ever regarded as minnows. We thank God for seeing us through. 

"We will now go back to the drawing board, correct every mistake we made today as we prepare for the semi final match.

"We expect a tougher semi final match, especially against an NNL side, Edel FC. But we'll give it our best", Osueke said.

The four semi finalists are Solution FC, Edel FC, Ozalla FA and Peace FC.

The semi final pairings are as follows:

Solution FC Vs Peace FC.

Edel FC Vs Ozalla FC.