Abia Warriors FC of Abia on Wednesday, advanced to the semi-finals stage in the 2024 President Federation cup after a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Sokoto United FC.
The match was played at the FIFA Goal Project football pitch of the Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja.
Abia Warriors FC dominated the first half when in the 25th minute when Adama Kizito of Sokoto United stopped a corner kick with his hand, giving the Abia side a penalty which Prince Okorie converted.
Sokoto United FC later came into the game in the second half and their effort paid off in the 76th minute when Shehu Garba scored the equalizer.
Both sides worked extra hard to outwit each other but the game ended 1-1 a piece and penalties.
Speaking after the match, coach Ike Shoromu of Abia warriors FC who expressed happiness over his team`s performance, said the coaching crew deserved commendation for “a job well-done.
“ Our opponents gave us a good fight but at the end of the game, we got the desired victory.
“As per our goals, other teams are anticipating the same thing, but today’s victory is what matters most, and we’re excited to see how far we can go in our semifinal match,” he said.
On his part, Umar Mohammed, the General Manager of Sokoto FC, said the team`s performance was fantastic in spite of their loss to their opponent.
“ We’ll turn our attention to the upcoming Super 8 in Enugu, where we intend to win a spot in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
“Our commissioner and Club president have provided us with enough support and we are motivated,” he said.
In another quarter-final game, the fairy tale of Inter Lagos FC came to an end as NNL side, El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri won 2-1.
Kebbi United FC defeated EFCC FC after a 4-3 penalty shootout after it ended goalless in regulation time and Kano Pillars FC edged out Sunshine Stars FC 5-3 on penalties .
Abia Warriors will confront Kano Pillars in the semifinals match on June 19.
