Cyril Olisema scored in each half to send visiting Akwa United through to the next round after beating Hawks of Gambia 2-0, and qualify 3-2 on aggregate.
The “Promise Keepers” needed to win with two clear goals in the second leg after last week’s surprised 1-2 defeat in Uyo in the first leg.
The diminutive striker who led Akwa’s frontline ahead of Gabriel Okechukwo broke the deadlock seven minutes before the break when he guided his effort past the rushing Adama Gassama in goal following a defensive howler by Mass Manga.
The skilful Olisema doubled his side’s advantage just after the break when his 30 yards volley beat the out of positioned Gassama hitting the roof of the net to hand Akwa United the lead on aggregate.
Hawks started the contest on a bright note with some neat combined passes in midfield but lacked the cutting edge with Alfusainey Gassama rounding Ojo Olorunleke in the visitors’ goal but could not find the target after eight minutes.
Victor Mbaoma was presented with Akwa’s first opportunity 17 minutes into the game when Adama Gassama fumbled Kodjovi Dadzie’s inviting cross to his path but his headed effort went off target.
Solomon Jarju was penalised for handling the ball in the area but the Nigerian side couldn’t take advantage of the resulting penalty as Dennis Nya hit the post from 12 yards out.
The home fans were stunned eight minutes before the break when defender Manga failed to clear his lines allowing Olisema to beat the helpless Gassama.
The Uyo-based side wasted no time to take advantage in the tie when Olisema’s thunderous volley from 30 yards out beat the keeper and handed his side a place at the 1/16th round, with a date against Libyan giants, Al Ittihad.
Nigeria’s other representative at the competition, Enyimba will face Benin Republic’s Energie FC.
