Afolabi Abiodun's inswinging corner-kick was met by the striker, denying Okene the chance of a possible upset at the Lokoja Confluence Stadium on Thursday.
Okene didn't create many clear chances as the Wada Boys looked sharper for much of the game.
Though the NNL Pool A campaigners were complacent in front of goal, despite a promising opening start to the keenly contested battle.
As early as the 10th minute, Osas was guilty of missing a sitter, after being set-up by Jamilu Rilwanu. The fast attacker made ammends with a dummy to Olaitan Adebayo, who also lost his scoring touch.
Upset was on the cards and fans in the stands relished every moment, while rooting for the stubborn rookies to progress at the expense of the champions.
With 13 left on the clock, the wood-work denied United. A perfectly taken free kick from Lasisi Saheed caused confusion in Okene's defence line, and Friday Umoh's flick struck the bar.
But just as Okene, who accounted for the ouster of Kogi State University in the quarter final, seemed to have withstood a period of late pressure, Afolabi's beautifully struck set-piece allowed the hardworking Osas to earn his side victory.
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