Enyimba survive Julius Atete scare

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Enyimba survive Julius Atete scare

Paul Aigbogun’s men kept alive their ambitions for a double after a narrow round of 16 win against the NNL side to reach the quarterfinal of the oldest domestic competition

Enyimba recorded a narrow 1-0 victory against Julius Atete in the rescheduled round of 16 Federation Cup tie played at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja.

Ezekiel Bassey's late strike ensured the People's Elephants advanced into the last eight against their troublesome second tier opponents in the interesting clash on Wednesday.

Enyimba started off on a bright note with Etor Daniel's cross poorly managed by Peter Onyekachi among chances in the opening 15 minutes, though Atete showed a glimpse of ambition.

In the 35th minute, Onyekachi fired blank after he came close, upon stealing the ball from Abu Azeez, adding to countless unconverted begging chances before the half time break.

In the second half, Ugochukwu Leonard breezed past Atete's defence but he failed to make it count following quick clearance in the 64th minute.

Three minutes later, the visitors edge near nicking the lead through Shemaye's brilliant effort but Theophilus Afelokhai swiftly stopped his shot.

In the 70th minute, goalkeeper Onome cleverly saved Chima Akas' goal-bound cross to keep the barren scoreline intact.

Atete impressively held on in push for a penalty shoot-out, but Bassey nicked the winner after he powered home Ikechukwu Ibenegbu's cross deep inside the injury time.

Following the narrow win, Enyimba will confront Rivers United in the quarter-final of the Federation Cup.