NNPC/Shell Cup: Edo, Imo, Zamfara, Borno for semi-finals

By Akeem Lawal

Edo State players celebrating on Saturday 

HENSEN Demonstration School, Edo State defeated Asegun High School, Oyo State 4-3 on penalties in the final of the Zonal Preliminaries, Ijebu-Ode Zone on Saturday to qualify for the semi final of the ongoing 19th NNPC/Shell Cup, sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

Ahmed Olowolagba's long range strike gave the Oyo State side the lead just before the break but Emmanuel Micheal well taken free-kick late in the second half ensured the game ended 1-1 in normal regulation period at the Ijebu Muslim College,  Ijebu-Ode.

However, Oyo were only able to convert three of their penalty kicks, while Edo converted four of theirs to secure a ticket to the semi finals of the competition alongside Holy Ghost College, Owerri Imo State; Sambo Secondary School, Gusau, Zamfara State and Government Secondary School, Lamisula, Borno State.

Oyo players dejected after defeat 

In a chat with SportingLife after the zonal final,  Coach of Hensen Demonstration School, Chinedu Uba praised his boys for their determination and never-say-die spirit to stage a comeback into the game after conceding a goal in the first half.

"It was a close game against Oyo State team that has been regarded as favorites from the zone. I must commend the players for keeping their heads while they were a goal down. Penalty is anybody's game and I thank God that we came out victorious. 

"Our next destination is Lagos for the semi finals and we will take it game by game to get to the final, which we will win by the grace of God ," Uba said.

At the Uyo center, Imo defeated Cross River 4-1 to book their semi final slot,  while in Katsina, Zamfara defeated FCT 2-0.

At the Bauchi center, Borno defeated Niger 5-4 on penalties after playing goalless at normal regulation period. 

The semifinals will come up at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Sunday, 2nd July, while the final will hold on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at the same venue.