The 2026 President Federation Cup Round of 32 delivered a dramatic run of shocks, with holders Kwara United, former champions Bayelsa United and reigning league title-winners Enugu Rangers all crashing out.
Key takeaways
- Kwara United were knocked out when Sokoto United won 1-0 at Area 3 Playing Ground in Abuja.
- Enugu Rangers were eliminated after losing 3-2 to Rivers United at Uyo Township Stadium.
- Bayelsa United suffered a 3-1 defeat to Wikki Tourists at Lafia City Stadium.
- Barau FC edged past Abakaliki FC 1-0 in Bwari, Abuja, to progress.
- Nasarawa United advanced via walkover after Ejigbo City failed to show for their fixture in Benin City.
Round of 32 upsets and standout results
The most eye-catching result unfolded in Abuja, where Sokoto United continued their impressive tournament form by defeating Kwara United 1-0 at the Area 3 Playing Ground.
At Uyo Township Stadium, Rivers United produced a five-goal spectacle to overcome Enugu Rangers 3-2. Finidi George’s team surged ahead with a two-goal advantage, only for Rangers to respond and level the contest. Godwin Obaje, the experienced forward, was among the players to find the net as the game swung again. Rivers United then scored late to seal the win and end the Flying Antelopes’ campaign.
Wikki Tourists were more controlled at Lafia City Stadium, beating Bayelsa United 3-1. Imamu Bala struck twice in the first half, scoring in the 21st minute and again in stoppage time at 45+3. Sadeeq Abubakar Kante added a third at 72 minutes, while Enoh James replied with a late consolation for Bayelsa.
Abakaliki FC, who had been runners-up in the previous edition, were also eliminated. Barau FC won 1-0 in Bwari, Abuja, with Bismarck Duah scoring the decisive goal in the 74th minute.
Walkovers, penalty wins and late progressions
Nasarawa United moved into the Round of 16 without kicking a ball, advancing by walkover after Ejigbo City failed to honour their scheduled match in Benin City.
Elsewhere, Sunshine Stars U-19 overcame Warinje FC 2-1 in Abuja. Plateau United narrowly beat Kogi United 1-0 in Lafia, with Ossy Martins providing the winning finish. In Anyigba, FC Basira secured a dramatic shootout triumph over Ingas FC after the teams drew 1-1, winning 8-7 on penalties.
Ikorodu City recorded a 2-0 win against Jigawa Golden Stars in Anyigba. Bida Lions defeated Warri Wolves 2-0 in Osogbo, and Bendel Insurance edged Crown FC 3-1 in Lagos, with Promise Anyanwu scoring twice.
Kada Warriors eliminated Shooting Stars 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Minna. El-Kanemi Warriors also needed a shootout, beating Akwa United 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja. Enyimba advanced with a 1-0 victory over Gombe United in Makurdi, thanks to Nelson Sule. In the same city, Adamawa United defeated Sapele Lions 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw.
Round of 16: the ties that follow
In the Round of 16, Nasarawa United will take on Rivers United in the standout matchup. Ikorodu City face Enyimba, while Bendel Insurance meet El-Kanemi Warriors in two all-NPFL ties.
Other fixtures include Wikki Tourists against Kada Warriors, FC Basira against Plateau United in a North Central derby, and Bida Lions versus Flight FC. Barau FC play Sunshine Stars U-19, and Sokoto United are set to face Adamawa United.
