The 2023 Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Federation Cup got underway on Wednesday with Round of 64 matches. Although the pick of the round, Enyimba vs Rivers United was postponed, there were still enough exciting ties to get us started.
There were upsets and many top teams dug deep to escape the snare of smaller teams. Former champions Bayelsa United were dumped out by a little known Essien Ayi of Cross River State.
Ebenezer Odeyemi scored the only goal of the game as Bendel Insurance beat Abubakar Bukola Saraki Babes (ABS) 1-0 in Lagos in a game that preceded Shooting Stars’ 4-3 win over Adamimogo FC of Ondo State.
Igbajo United of Osun State shocked Yobe Desert Stars on penalties at the Goal Project in Abuja.
More round of 64 matches will hold on Thursday.
Round of 64 Results
Lagos – ABS FC 0-1 Bendel Insurance
Owerri – Ikorodu City 3-0 Crusaders
Lokoja – FC Basira 0-2 Sunshine Stars
Aba – Essien Ayi 1-1 Bayelsa United (Essien Ayi progress 5-3 on penalties)
Abuja – Osun United 3-0 (w/o) Katsina United
Lagos – Shooting Stars 4-3 Adamimogo FC
Akure – Kogi United Feeders 1-4 Edel FC
Minna – Nasarawa United 2-0 Kebbi United
Kaduna – Mighty Jets 3-0 (w/o) Niger Tornadoes Feeders
Awka – FC Ebedei 3-0 (w/o) Hope of Glory
Minna – Kano Pillars 3-0 (w/o) Ilaji FC
Lokoja – Standard FC 2-2 Ekiti United (Standard FC win 4-2 on penalties)
Awka – Lobi Stars 2-2 FC One Rockets (Lobi Stars win 5-3 on penalties)
Jos – Malumfashi FC 0-1 Gombe United
Lokoja – Insurance Feeders 4-0 Maikunkele FC
Awka – Warri Wolves 4-0 Beyond The Limits
Abuja – Yobe Desert Stars 1-1 Igbajo United (Igbajo United progress 7-6 on penalties).
Round of 32 matches will hold next midweek.
