Rangers, Kwara United, Shooting Stars Crash Out As Federation Cup Produces Major Surprises

Rangers, Kwara United, Shooting Stars Crash Out As Federation Cup Produces Major Surprises

By Niyi Busari 

The Round of 32 of the Federation Cup delivered a mix of drama, penalty shootout thrillers and notable upsets as teams battled for places in the next stage of the competition, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

One of the biggest results of the round saw Sokoto United secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Kwara United, while Bendel Insurance produced an impressive 3-1 win against Crown FC to progress comfortably.

El-Kanemi Warriors and Kada Warriors were among the teams that survived penalty shootouts after playing out draws against Akwa United and Shooting Stars respectively. El-Kanemi edged Akwa United 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 stalemate, while Kada Warriors stunned Shooting Stars 4-5 in the shootout after regulation time ended 1-1.

Wikki Tourists booked their place in the next round with a convincing 3-1 victory over Bayelsa United, while Bida Lions defeated Warri Wolves 2-0. Flight FC also advanced after overcoming Mighty Jets FC 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

In one of the standout fixtures of the round, Rivers United edged Rangers International 3-2 in a thrilling five-goal encounter. Nasarawa United progressed via a walkover against Ejigbo City, while Plateau United secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kogi United.

FC Basira emerged victorious in the longest shootout of the round, defeating Ingas FC 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Ikorodu City continued their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over Jigawa Golden Stars, while Enyimba claimed a narrow 1-0 win against Gombe United.

Elsewhere, Sunshine Stars U-19 defeated Warinje FC 2-1 to continue their giant-killing campaign, and Barau FC secured a 1-0 victory over Abakaliki FC to complete the list of teams advancing to the Round of 16.

Round of 32 Results

- Kwara United 0-1 Sokoto United

- Sapele Lions 0-0 Adamawa United (2-4 pens)

- Bendel Insurance 3-1 Crown FC

- El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Akwa United (3-2 pens)

- Shooting Stars 1-1 Kada Warriors (4-5 pens)

- Wikki Tourists 3-1 Bayelsa United

- Bida Lions 2-0 Warri Wolves

- Flight FC 1-1 Mighty Jets FC (5-4 pens)

- Rivers United 3-2 Rangers International

- Ejigbo City 0-3 Nasarawa United (walkover)

- Kogi United 0-1 Plateau United

- Ingas FC 1-1 FC Basira (7-8 pens)

- Ikorodu City 2-0 Jigawa Golden Stars

- Enyimba 1-0 Gombe United

- Sunshine Stars U-19 2-1 Warinje FC

- Barau FC 1-0 Abakaliki FC