Defending champions of the President Federation Cup, Kwara United, alongside fellow NPFL side, Shooting Stars, have been booted out of this year’s competition following surprising defeats to lowly rated opponents on Monday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Kwara United, who escaped relegation from the NPFL on the final day, were beaten 1-0 by Sokoto United in the game decided at the Area 3 Pitch in Abuja. Meanwhile, Ikorodu City left it late to beat Jigawa Golden Stars in Anyigba. Tomisin Adebayo and Goodluck Anuba scored in the last ten minutes of the contest to send the Oga Boys through to the round of 16, where they will be facing Enyimba.
In Minna, Shooting Stars fell 5-4 to Kada Warriors on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time. Penalties were also needed to determine the winner between Elkanemi Warriors and Akwa United after it ended 1-1 in normal time in Abuja. Warriors emerged victorious 3-2 in the shootout.
Enyimba continued their strong run in the competition with a 1-0 win over Gombe United in Makurdi. Youngster Nelson Sule scored the only goal for the People’s Elephants, who are yet to concede in the competition this year. Joshua Dabo also scored the only goal to steer 10-man Plateau United past Kogi United in Lafia. Defender Bismark Duah was the match winner for Barau FC against Abakaliki in Abuja.
Bendel Insurance came from a goal down once again to beat Crown FC 3-1 in Lagos. Ebenezer Odeyemi handed the NNL side the lead before goals from Alex Oweilayefa and a Promise Anyanwu brace secured the win. NPFL side Warri Wolves also suffered a shock exit at the hands of Bida Lions in Ile Ogbo.
Wikki Tourists defeated Bayelsa United 3-1 in the battle of recently relegated NPFL teams in Lafia. Wikki raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of goals from Bala Imamu before Bayelsa United pulled one back through Emo James. However, substitute Sadeeq Abdullahi restored the two-goal cushion late on and ensured progression into the next round.
Basira FC, Flight FC, and Adamawa United triumphed in the penalty shootout at the expense of Ingas FC, Mighty Jets, and Sapele Lions, respectively. Meanwhile, Sunshine Stars U19 defeated Warinje FC 2-1 to also book their spot in the last 16. The game between Ejigbo City and Nasarawa United did not hold as the former did not show up for the game.
In the round’s biggest fixture, Rivers United defeated NPFL champions Rangers 3-2 in an entertaining game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Monday. Chijioke Mbaoma and Wisdom Samuel handed the Pride of Rivers a two-goal lead before Rangers levelled through Godwin Obaje and Precious Agu. However, Handsome Surveyor scored a stoppage-time winner to send Finidi George’s men into the last 16.
ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES
Sokoto United Vs Adamawa United
Bendel Insurance Vs Elkanemi Warriors
Kada Warriors Vs Wikki Tourists
Bida Lions Vs Flight FC
Rivers United Vs Nasarawa United
Plateau United Vs FC Basira
Ikorodu City Vs Enyimba FC
Sunshine Stars U19 Vs Barau FC
*Dates and venue for the matches to be confirmed by the NFF later
