The draw for the 2026 President Federation Cup Round of 32 has produced a series of heavyweight clashes, intriguing underdog battles and regional rivalries as Nigeria’s oldest domestic football competition heads into another dramatic phase.
Fresh from a thrilling Round of 64 packed with shocks and penalty heartbreaks, attention has now shifted to the last 32 where several Nigeria Premier Football League sides face dangerous opponents eager to continue their giant-killing runs.
One of the standout fixtures of the round will see Rivers United take on Rangers International in a blockbuster all-NPFL showdown expected to headline the round.
Both teams narrowly progressed from their opening fixtures, with Rivers United defeating G12 FC 2-0 while Rangers edged Godswill Akpabio FC 1-0.
Defending champions Kwara United will continue their title defence against Sokoto United after surviving a major scare in the previous round where they eliminated Sporting Supreme on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
Former champions Enyimba, who cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory over El Sharma FC in the Round of 64, will now face Gombe United as they continue their pursuit of another Federation Cup crown.
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Elsewhere, Bendel Insurance face Crown FC, while El-Kanemi Warriors take on Akwa United in another eye-catching clash between two experienced top-flight sides.
Shooting Stars will battle Kada Warriors, while Wikki Tourists face Bayelsa United in a fixture expected to test both sides’ ambitions.
One of the most fascinating stories of the competition remains the progress of Sunshine Stars U19, who stunned Niger Tornadoes in the previous round.
The youthful side will now attempt another upset when they face Warinje FC for a place in the Round of 16.
Another underdog story involves Sapele Lions FC, who knocked out Katsina United on penalties in the Round of 64. They now face Adamawa United in another potentially explosive tie.
Ikorodu City, one of the most impressive teams in the previous round after their emphatic 4-0 victory over GAA Akanbi FC, have been paired with Jigawa Golden Stars.
There is also growing excitement around potential surprise packages such as Bida Lions FC, Flight FC, Kogi United and Ingas FC, all of whom will believe the competition remains wide open following the early exits of several established clubs.
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2026 President Federation Cup Round of 32 Fixtures
- Kwara United vs Sokoto United
- Sapele Lions FC vs Adamawa United
- Bendel Insurance vs Crown FC
- El-Kanemi Warriors vs Akwa United
- Shooting Stars vs Kada Warriors
- Wikki Tourists vs Bayelsa United
- Bida Lions FC vs Warri Wolves
- Flight FC vs Mighty Jets FC
- Rivers United vs Rangers International
- Ejigbo City vs Nasarawa United
- Kogi United vs Plateau United
- Ingas FC vs FC Basira
- Ikorodu City vs Jigawa Golden Stars
- Enyimba vs Gombe United
- Sunshine Stars U19 vs Warinje FC
- Barau FC vs Abakaliki FC
