The 2021 Aiteo Cup has reached the quarterfinal stage with four NPFL and four NNL sides left in the competition as it reaches its business end. The NFF has completed the draws of the competition, with the final set to hold early in August, ahead of the CAF deadline for teams to be registered for the Confederation Cup. All of the quarterfinal matches would be held on July 23rd at 3 pm.
Holders Kano Pillars have been drawn against fellow NPFL side Sunshine Stars in their own quarterfinal tie after they navigated their ways past Kebbi United and Green Beret, respectively, in the last round. The Akure Gunners put a dent in Kano Pillars’ NPFL bid with a week 31 1-0 win over the Kaduna-based side. The match is set to hold at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.
NNL sides Gateway FC and Bayelsa United FC will lock horns at the Kwara State Sports Complex in Ilorin for a place in the semifinals of the Aiteo Cup. Bayelsa United defeated Lobi Stars, and Gateway defeated Wikki Tourists in the Round of 16.
Gombe United will be looking to claim another NPFL scalp when they face Nasarawa United at the New Jos Stadium in their quarterfinal tie. Gombe United defeated Katsina United in the last round, as Nasarawa United navigated their way past Plateau United.
Rivers United would be looking to improve their chances of ending the season with silverware when they face 2017 finalists Niger Tornadoes in the quarterfinal of the 2021 Aiteo Cup at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja. Rivers United defeated NPFL opposition in Heartland in the previous round, as Niger Tornadoes upset Abia Warriors.
