TheCable

Bayelsa United have recorded a shocking 1-0 victory over Rivers United to proceed to the first AITEO cup final in the club’s history.

The match, which took place at the Agege Stadium in Lagos on Friday, saw the Nigeria National League (NNL) side limit the superiority of Rivers’ team as they managed just one shot on target throughout the game.

In the second half, Bayelsa’s discipline was rewarded when Inikurogha Okardi scored a scorcher to put them ahead against all odds.

Immediately play resumed, Rivers United’s Joseph Onoja was brought down in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty against Bayelsa. Still, John Shuaibu dived the right way and brilliantly parried away the spot-kick taken by Bamba Bakary.

The Pride of Rivers couldn’t conjure a response as Bayelsa United defended the lead till the end of the game.

On their part, Nasarawa United pipped Sunshine Stars 6-5 on penalties to also book their place in the final.

The match had ended 2-2 in normal time following series of end-to-end actions.

The Solid Miners will face Bayelsa United on August 8 in a yet-to-be-announced venue.

The winners of the Aiteo Cup will represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.