The President’s Federation Cup Round of 64 moved on yesterday, with Shooting Stars, Warri Wolves and Crown FC among the clubs that booked their places in the last-32 stage alongside teams that had already qualified from Tuesday’s matches.
Key takeaways
- Shooting Stars secured a 2-1 win over Kebbi United thanks to Ayobami Junior’s two fast goals.
- Ejigbo City FC advanced after beating Sporting Supreme FC 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw.
- Warri Wolves reached the Round of 32 by overcoming Stormers SC 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
- Kogi United stunned former NPFL champions Lobi Stars, winning 8-7 on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate.
- Several sides progressed without playing again via walkover, including Jigawa Golden Stars, Warinje FC, Mighty Jets and FC Basira.
Shooting Stars and other standout Round of 32 qualifiers
Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan were among the day’s most eye-catching performers, squeezing past Kebbi United 2-1 in a tense contest. Ayobami Junior was the decisive figure for the Oluyole Warriors, striking twice in quick succession to clinch progression. After a tight first phase, Ayobami opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, only for Kebbi United to respond almost immediately. The forward then restored Shooting Stars’ lead in the 66th minute to take the spoils for the Ibadan club. The win also came with a notable boost for Ayobami, who has been called up to the Super Eagles ahead of the Unity Cup.
Ejigbo City FC also delivered drama in their match-up against Sporting Supreme FC. The game finished level at 3-3, but Ejigbo City won the penalty shootout 4-2 to move into the next round. Bida Lions meanwhile edged Beyond Limits FA 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Warri Wolves, Kogi United shocks and the reshaped last-32 draw
Warri Wolves navigated a difficult test against Stormers SC. The sides could not find a breakthrough during normal time, finishing 0-0, before the Seasiders won 3-2 on penalties to seal their Round of 32 place. Another major talking point came from Kogi United, who removed former NPFL champions Lobi Stars in an agonising shootout, winning 8-7 after another scoreless draw.
The longest penalty sequence of the round featured Sokoto United, who defeated Mojoda FC 14-13. Crown FC kept things more controlled, beating Cynosure FC 2-0 to extend an impressive run in the competition. In addition, multiple teams advanced via walkover, including Jigawa Golden Stars, Warinje FC, Mighty Jets and FC Basira.
With the latest results in, the Round of 32 pairings have been reshaped. Bida Lions are now set to face Warri Wolves, underlining the competition’s reputation for volatility and late twists.
Katsina United dumped out and the remaining Round of 64 fixtures
Katsina United endured a tough day, with both their senior and junior teams eliminated. The senior side lost 3-1 on penalties to Sapele Lions after finishing 2-2, while Katsina United Jnr were beaten 2-1 by Bendel Insurance.
Attention now turns to today’s remaining Round of 64 matches. Kada Warriors will face Campus FC in Anyigba, while ABU DLC take on Abakaliki FC in Makurdi—both scheduled for 4pm.
MEN’S COMPETITION: ROUND OF 64 RESULTS
- Kwara United 2-2 Sporting Supreme U19
- Adamawa United 1-1 Agbana Wonderful Academy
- Adamawa United won 5-4 on penalties
- Bendel Insurance 2-1 Katsina United Jnr
- El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Krusaders FC
- Godswill Akpabio FC 0-1 Enugu Rangers
- Sunshine Stars U19 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
- Kada Warriors vs Campus FC — Anyigba (4pm)
- ABU DLC vs Abakaliki FC — Makurdi (4pm)
