The 2026 President Federation Cup Round of 64 delivered drama, upsets and penalty shootout heartbreak across Nigeria on Tuesday, with several top clubs suffering unexpected exits in one of the competition’s most thrilling opening rounds in recent years.
Among the biggest casualties were Katsina United, Niger Tornadoes and Lobi Stars, all of whom crashed out against lower-ranked opposition.
The shock of the day came from Sunshine Stars U-19, who stunned Nigeria Premier Football League side Niger Tornadoes with a deserved 2-1 victory to secure a place in the Round of 32. The result underlined the growing strength of youth football development in the country, with the young academy side outplaying their more experienced opponents in one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
Katsina United also endured a painful exit after battling to a 2-2 draw against Sapele Lions before losing 3-1 on penalties. Despite showing resilience during regulation time, Katsina failed to hold their nerve from the spot as Sapele Lions celebrated a famous victory.
Lobi Stars were another major casualty after being eliminated by Kogi United in a tense encounter decided by penalties. Following a goalless draw in regulation time, Kogi United triumphed 8-7 in a marathon shootout to dump the NPFL side out of the competition.
While several favourites stumbled, some of Nigeria’s biggest clubs safely booked their places in the next round.
READMORE: ‘Why would I congratulate Arsenal?’ – John Obi Mikel reveals Gunners fans flooded his phone after EPL triumph
Former champions Enyimba produced one of the most dominant performances of the day with a commanding 4-0 victory over El Sharma FC.
Ikorodu City matched that scoreline with an emphatic 4-0 win against GAA Akanbi FC, while Rivers United progressed comfortably after defeating G12 FC 2-0.
Akwa United also enjoyed a smooth passage into the next round with a convincing 3-0 victory over Wilbros FC.
Defending champions Kwara United survived a major scare against Sporting Supreme. After regulation time ended 2-2, Kwara United eventually prevailed 4-2 on penalties to keep their title defence alive.
Elsewhere, Bayelsa United defeated OISA FC 2-0, while Wikki Tourists recorded a 2-0 victory over Jigawa Golden Stars.
El-Kanemi Warriors edged Krusader FC 1-0, and Plateau United secured a narrow 2-1 win against Ahudiannem FC.
In other fixtures, Flight FC defeated Adamawa Academy 2-1, while Ingas FC claimed a slim 1-0 victory over Edel FC.
Rangers International also progressed courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Godswill Akpabio FC.
Adamawa United needed penalties to overcome Agbana Wonderful FA after a 1-1 draw, winning the shootout 5-4, while Gombe United advanced via walkover against YSFON Stars.
The remaining Round of 64 fixtures are scheduled for Thursday as clubs continue their quest for Nigeria’s oldest domestic football title.
Round of 64 results
- Bayelsa United 2-0 OISA FC
- Bendel Insurance 2-1 Katsina United Jnr
- Wikki Tourists 2-0 Jigawa Golden Stars
- Adamawa Academy 1-2 Flight FC
- Adamawa United 1-1 Agbana Wonderful FA (5-4 pens)
- El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Krusader FC
- Ikorodu City 4-0 GAA Akanbi FC
- Ingas FC 1-0 Edel FC
- G12 FC 0-2 Rivers United
- El Sharma FC 0-4 Enyimba
- Ahudiannem FC 1-2 Plateau United
- Sunshine Stars U-19 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
- Akwa United 3-0 Wilbros FC
- Zamfara United 0-2 Barau FC
- Gombe United 3-0 YSFON Stars (walkover)
- Katsina United 2-2 Sapele Lions (1-3 pens)
- Godswill Akpabio FC 0-1 Rangers International
- Kwara United 2-2 Sporting Supreme (4-2 pens)
