Ilorin,:  “We accept the defeat in good faith and the officiating was fair,’’ said Paul Emordi, the technical adviser of Enyimba FC of Aba after his side lost 0-1 to Gombe United  in the opening game of the 2011 Federation Cup match at the Ilorin centre on Thursday.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the match that his boys played well but could not convert several scoring chances.

In the match played at the Kwara Stadium, Ilorin, United got their winning goal in the 40th minute of the encounter through Alhaji Kwaranga.

The Aba sides, however, dominated the second half of the game.

In the second match played at the centre, Dolphin FC of Port Harcourt trounced Akwa United FC of Uyo by 2-0.

The premiership leader got their opener in the 20th minute of the clash through a powerful shot from Victor Michael.

Akwa United played to level up but their effort proved futile as their attackers could not convert the chances.

Dolphin sealed their victory in the final minutes of the match through a 30 yard-shot by Chinde Osichukwu.

Matches in the centre would continue on Saturday. (NAN)