NPFL teams, Niger Tornadoes and Katsina United, have been knocked out by lowly rated oppositions on the first day of the President Federation Cup round of 64, www.aclsports.com reports.
Tornadoes fell 2-1 to Sunshine Stars U19 in Ilorin, while Katsina United were edged on penalties by De Sapele Lions of Delta State after the game finished 2-2. Adamawa United triumphed 5-4 on penalties against Agbana Wonderful FA after the game finished 1-1 in regulation time.
Meanwhile, Elkanemi Warriors defeated Krusaders 1-0 in Makurdi, while former champions Akwa United also defeated Wilbros FC 3-0 in Aba, courtesy of a brace from Aniebiet Sunday and a second-half goal from Yannick Menegbe.
In Katsina, NPFL side Barau FC defeated Zamfara United 2-0, with Mohammed Umar and Sunday Anthony scoring the goals for the Maliya Boys. Defending champions Kwara United came from two goals down to defeat Sporting Supreme U19 4-2 on penalties and secure their place in the round of 32.
In Ibadan, an opening goal from Goodluck Anuba and a Chidera Oparaocha hat-trick helped Ikorodu City to a 4-0 win over NLO side GAA Akanbi. Similarly, Enyimba thumped El Shama 4-0 in Abuja with Nelson Sule hitting a hat-trick plus a goal from veteran Stanley Dimgba. Wikki Tourists defeated Jigawa Golden Stars Jnr 2-0 courtesy of goals from Abba Usman and Sani Ibrahim.
Rivers United, who are also aiming for their first title, defeated G12 2-0 in Benin. Iyowuna Douglas and Chijioke Mbaoma with the goals for Finidi George’s side. Precious Ezechukwuma scored the only goal to steer Rangers past Godswill Akpabio United FC at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
Flight FC also defeated Adamawa Academy 2-1, while Bendel Insurance came from a goal down to beat Katsina United Jnr 2-1 in Abuja. Former Shooting Stars forward Kayode Oke scored a brace for the Benin Arsenal.
Former finalists, Nasarawa United, defeated Westgate FC 3-1 in Anyigba. Leonard Ugochukwu, Sam Pam, and Salomon Chigozie scored for the Solid Miners, while Festus Elegbede scored for the Benin side. Edel FC were knocked out by Ingas as it finished 1-0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
Plateau United defeated Ahudiyannem FC 2-1 in Makurdi to march on. Saka Gafar and Chinemerem Ugwueze were the goal scorers for the NPFL side. Bayelsa United also defeated OISA 2-1. Saro Loveday and Chinedu Emmanuel scored the goals for the recently relegated side. In Abuja, Gombe United walked over YSFON.
More round of 64 matches will take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, the round of 32 matches are billed to hold on 27th/28th May.
