Rivers United and Rangers International are set to go head-to-head for the league crown this weekend, but both sides must also focus on the President’s Federation Cup as the Round of 32 fixtures have been released.
Rivers United secured their place in the last-32 after defeating Lagos-based G12 FC. Rangers International also booked their spot by overcoming Godswill Akpabio United FC in their match, setting up a standout tie for the next stage.
Across the tournament, several clubs from the Nigeria Premier Football League advanced without drama to the Round of 32, while a number of lower-tier teams continued to write fairytale chapters by pushing through against stronger opponents.
Round of 32 draw: key match-ups
- Enyimba, former champions, who routed El-Shama FC 4-0 in the Round of 64, will now take on Gombe United.
- Bendel Insurance will face Crown FC after both teams recorded hard-fought wins in their opening matches.
- Kwara United survived a scare to beat Sporting Supreme U19 on penalties, and will go on to meet Sokoto United.
- Sokoto United earned their spot by edging past Mojoda FC via a penalty shootout that finished 14-13 after the teams played out a goalless draw.
- Shooting Stars, who overcame Kebbi United 2-1 on the road, have been paired with Kada Warriors.
- Elkanemi Warriors will face Akwa United in another meeting that promises plenty of intensity.
- Bayelsa United, after defeating OISA FC 2-1, will tackle Wikki Tourists.
- Warri Wolves will continue their cup run against Bida Lions, with both sides advancing from earlier rounds through penalty shootouts.
- Other ties include Sapele Lions vs Adamawa United, Flight FC vs Mighty Jets, Kogi United vs Plateau United, and Ikorodu City vs Jigawa Golden Stars.
- Sunshine Stars U19—one of the competition’s surprise performers after beating Niger Tornadoes 2-1—will meet Warinje FC.
- Barau FC take on Abakaliki FC in another intriguing fixture.
Ikorodu City will host Jigawa Golden Stars in one of the highlighted Round of 32 clashes.
