Elkanemi Warriors staged an incredible comeback to beat Bendel Insurance on penalties in one of the round of 16 President Federation Cup games decided on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Efe Ubiomo scored before Alex Oweilayefa grabbed a brace to complete a dominant first half for Bendel Insurance. However, Elkanemi staged an incredible comeback in the second half to send the game to a penalty shoot-out. The newly relegated NPFL side did just enough in the shoot-out to knock out the 2023 winners.
In Benin, Ikorodu City and Enyimba faced off in another all-NPFL battle at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Jacob Jonathan fired home from just inside the area to hand the Aba side the lead going into the break. On the other hand, the Oga Boys wasted several chances before getting back on level terms through Aderemi Adeoye’s freekick in the final quarter of the game to take the game to penalties, where they won 5-4 thanks to heroics of goalkeeper Derrick Julu.
Plateau United booked their spot in the last eight with a 2-1 win over NNL side FC Basira in Abuja. Paul Magit handed the Tin Boys the lead just before the half-hour mark for a half-time lead. Just two minutes into the second half, Victor Dawa doubled the lead for Gbenga Ogubote’s side. However, Basira pulled one back through Samuel Aluku. In the end, the NPFL side did enough to reach the next round.
Rivers United and Nasarawa United went up against each other at the Awka Township Stadium. It was the Solid Miners who took the win to secure their place in the next round. Leonard Ugochukwu and Ada Umar handed Nasarawa United a two-goal cushion before Samson Obi and Handsome Surveyor secured the comeback to take the game to a penalty shoot-out. However, the Solid Miners held their nerves in the shoot-out to win 5-3 and seal progression.
Meanwhile, Barau FC defeated Sunshine Stars U19 2-1. Ebuka Nwokorie opened the scoring for the NPFL side in the 25th minute before Sunday doubled their lead just after the break. The boys from Akure pulled one back, but it was not enough as the Maliya Boys secured their place in the next round.
Sokoto United made light work of Adamawa United by winning 2-0 in Abuja to progress, while Bida Lions lost 1-0 to Flight FC at the Bwari Stadium. Mamuda Aliyu and Imamu Bala (brace) were the goalscorers as Wikki Tourists defeated Kada Warriors, who scored a late consolation goal, 3-1 at the Area 3 Pitch in Abuja.
ROUND OF 16 RESULTS
Sokoto United 2-0 Adamawa United
Bendel Insurance 3-3 Elkanemi Warriors (penalties: 7-8)
Kada Warriors 1-3 Wikki Tourists
Bida Lions 0-1 Flight FC
Rivers United 2-2 Nasarawa United (penalties: 3-5)
Plateau United 2-1 FC Basira
Ikorodu City 1-1 Enyimba FC (penalties: 5-4)
Sunshine Stars U19 0-1 Barau FC
