Former champions Enyimba and Rangers have secured their spots in the Round of 16 of the President Federation Cup, while Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United also recorded emphatic victories to progress.
Enyimba edged past El-Kanemi Warriors with a hard-fought 1-0 win in their Round of 32 clash, courtesy of Christian Nnaji’s first-half goal.
Rangers, on the other hand, triumphed over oriental rivals Heartland in a dramatic encounter at the Awka City Stadium.
The game ended 1-1 in regulation time, but Rangers held their nerve to claim a 5-3 victory in the penalty shootout.
Rangers talisman Saviour Isaac equalized after Heartland drew first blood in the federation cup clash in Awka. Photo Credit: Rangers Media
At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Rivers United suffered an early exit after a 2-1 defeat to Nigeria National League (NNL) side Beyond Limits FA.
Merveille Akinocho struck twice for Beyond Limits FA, scoring in the 14th minute and again seven minutes into the second half. Rivers United managed to pull one back in the 67th minute but couldn’t find an equalizer.
Bendel Insurance also booked their place in the next round with a convincing 3-0 win over Adamawa United. Kayode Oke was the star of the match, netting a superb hat-trick at the Lafia City Stadium.
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Oke opened the scoring in the 32nd minute before doubling his side’s lead just before the hour mark. He then sealed the victory with his third goal three minutes from time.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa United put on a dominant display, thrashing Ijele FC 5-0 to advance.
Qamar Adegoke grabbed a brace, while Chidera Nduka, Ugochukwu Leonard, and Peter Eneji also found the back of the net for coach Salisu Yusuf’s side.
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Kwara United also secured passage to the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 win over Gombe United. Shola Abdulrahman struck the decisive goal in the 55th minute.
Round of 16 Fixtures
- Enyimba FC (Abia) vs Abakaliki (Ebonyi)
- Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) vs Bayelsa United (Bayelsa)
- Warri Wolves (Delta) vs Wikki Tourists (Bauchi)
- Ikorodu City (Lagos) vs Beyond Limits (Ogun)
- Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) vs Inter Lagos (Lagos)/Jr.
- Solution FC (Anambra) vs Kwara United (Kwara)
- Plateau United (Plateau) vs Osun United (Osun)
- Bendel Insurance (Edo) vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu)
With thrilling performances in the Round of 32, the next stage promises even more excitement as teams battle for a place in the quarterfinals.
