Bayelsa United beat Nasarawa on penalties to win first-ever AITEO cup

Bayelsa United have defeated Nasarawa United 4-3 on penalties to emerge winners of the 2021 Aiteo Cup.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) club became the first team from the second division to lift the coveted cup since Dolphins FC achieved the feat 20 years ago.

The game, played on Saturday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, was thrilling with end-to-end displays of scintillating actions.

The match ended 2-2 after normal time following a goal-fest under an unceasing downpour.

The opening goal from Bayelsa’s Inikurogha Okardi in the 19th minute was instantaneously replied by Chinedu Ohanachom’s pile driver past John Shaibu, which levelled the game for Nasarawa.

The Solid Miners of Lafia took the lead through an Aliyu Abdullahi shot in the 26th minute, but 10 minutes later, Emo James rose highest in the box to head home a sweet equaliser for the Bayelsa boys.

Both sides overcome their early defensive jittery as the game matured into penalty shootouts.

Bayelsa United were the better team in the penalty kicks, pipping their opponent 4-3 from the spot to win their first-ever national silverware.

It was double joy for the people of Yenagoa as Bayelsa Queens also defeated FC Robo of Lagos 4-2 to win the women’s category.

Bayelsa United pocketed the sum of N25 million for their triumph, while Nasarawa United got N10 million.

In the same vein, Bayelsa Queens earned N10 million, while FC Robo Queens returned to Lagos with N5 million.

The Bayelsa clubs will also represent Nigeria in the 2021/2022 CAF Confederation Cup due to the triumph.