Heartland FC of Owerri has qualified for the Semi final of Nigeria’s oldest cup competition, the FA Cup.
The Naze Millionaires engaged Katsina United at the Kwara State Stadium Complex for a place in the last four.
After a scoreless stalemate during regulation time Godwin Paul once again stepped up to the plate to save Heartland’s blushes.
The former Enyimba goal keeper saved two spot kicks as Heartland triumphed 4-1 on penalties with Chukwudi Nwaodu scoring the deciding spot kick
Meanwhile the team will have to wait for NFF decision after the Quarter finals triumph
Recall that other six clubs in the quarterfinal stage of 2022 Aiteo Cup have boycotted the games following Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) decision to send Kwara United to CAF as second representative in 2022/23 Confederation Cup without informing the participating teams. Ordinarily, Champions of Aiteo Federation Cup are supposed to play at the CAF Club competitions.
While other three matches were abandoned, Katsina United and Heartland FC played their quarterfinal tie at the Ilorin Township Stadium where Heartland FC won on penalties.
It is not clear yet the decision of the NFF on the quarterfinal victory whether it would be considered as final as other clubs failed to honour their matches or Heartland FC progress to semifinal without opponents.
This year Federation Cup winners are just playing to keep fit as there wont be any Continental ticket even as Champions.
Ironically, both Heartland FC and Katsina United are relegated to Nigeria second-tier league from the NPFL.
/Solomon/BSN Sports
