Akwa United defeated Sunshine Stars in their semi final tie to set up an October 15 meeting with Niger Tornadoes in the final of the Aiteo Cup.
Akwa United outclassed the visitors in a 3-1 second-leg win in Uyo to wrap up the fixture 3-2 on aggregate.
Sunshine Stars pipped the 2015 winners 1-0 in the first-leg over a week ago in Ijebu Ode.
Abdul Maikaba’s men had narrowly missed out on an automatic place to get to the continent in the NPFL, and will hope to finish 2017 on a high.
Cyril Olisema opened scoring on 36′ to level on aggregate.
Christian Pyagbara doubled for the hosts in the second half with a strike on 61 minutes.
But, Sunshine were handed a lifeline when Sasere Franklin score what seemed an important goal, however the joy was short lived.
Ifeanyi Ifeanyi had been a thorn in the side of the Sunshine defenders and was eventually rewarded with the winner on 87 minutes.
For Niger Tornadoes its been 17 years since they reached the final and won.
They finished the first-leg of their clash against holders FC IfeanyiUbah in dramatic style, coming from two goals down to win 4-2.
FC IfeanyiUbah then won the reverse fixture by a lone goal but it wasn’t enough to push them past their dogged opponents.
The final of the Aiteo Cup will hold on October 15 at the Agege Stadium according to the Nigeria FA.
