Top Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs have secured semi-final places in the 13th edition of the Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament ongoing in Ogun.
The qualified teams are Sporting Lagos, Crown FC, newly relegated Lobi Stars and FC Ebedei.
According to Olaiya Azeez, Director of Communications for the Gold Cup, the four clubs booked qualification after their final group matches at the FC Ebedei Stadium, Apele-Sagamu.
In Group A, Sporting Lagos finished top with nine points, ahead of FC Ebedei, who also had nine points but lost on the head-to-head rule.
The Lagos-based side, known for their energetic play, had earlier defeated FC Ebedei 2-1 to gain the advantage.
Sunshine Stars and GreenLock FC failed to progress in spite of spirited performances in their final group games.
FC Ebedei came from behind to beat GreenLock FC 2-1, with Kennedy John scoring two second-half penalties and earning the Player of the Match award.
In Group B, Crown FC topped the group with nine points after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ekiti United.
A late strike from substitute Fabode Olaitan in the 84th minute sealed victory for the Ogbomoso-based side.
Lobi Stars finished second with seven points and a superior goal difference after a 5-1 triumph over Seamoriow FC.
The semi-final matches are scheduled for Thursday, while Wednesday has been set aside as a rest day.
Fans now look forward to thrilling encounters as the top four teams battle for a place in the Gold Cup final.
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