LAGOS, NIGERIA (VOICE OF NAIJA) –Defending champions Bendel Insurance FC of Benin kicked off their title defense with a 1-0 victory over Stormers SC of Ogun State.
The long goal came in a closely contested match held at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja on Wednesday evening.
Under the guidance of Coach Monday Odigie, the Edo Arsenal secured their place in the Round of 32 with the win.
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In Owerri, former champions Akwa United also clinched a narrow 1-0 win over Cynosure of Ebonyi.
FC One Rockets from Akwa Ibom state dominated Eburuaja with a resounding 5-0 victory, while Lobi Stars hammered Delta Minria 6-1.
The match between Osun United and EFCC of Abuja ended in a penalty shootout, with EFCC emerging victorious with a 4-3 scoreline after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Coal City secured a convincing 3-0 win against Ekiti United, while Nasarawa United also defeated Bako in Kaduna.