Federation Cup Shockers: Niger Tornadoes, Katsina United Crash Out in Round of 64

The 2026 President Federation Cup Round of 64 delivered dramatic results on Tuesday as several top clubs suffered unexpected exits, with Nigeria Premier Football League sides Niger Tornadoes F.C. and Katsina United F.C. among the biggest casualties.

Former champions Niger Tornadoes were stunned 2-1 by Sunshine Stars U-19 in one of the standout upsets of the round. The Minna-based club, winners of the competition in 2000 and finalists in 2017, bowed out at the preliminary stage after failing to overcome the youthful side.

Katsina United also endured disappointment after suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Sapele Lions F.C.. The encounter ended 2-2 in regulation time before Sapele Lions triumphed 3-1 on penalties to seal a memorable victory.

In Aba, Rangers International F.C. narrowly avoided an upset against Nigeria National League outfit Godswill Akpabio FC, securing a hard-fought 1-0 win to progress to the Round of 32.

Defending champions Kwara United F.C. were also pushed to the limit by Sporting Supreme. After a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time, Kwara United held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties and continue the defence of their title.

Meanwhile, Enyimba F.C. produced one of the most dominant performances of the day with a commanding 4-0 victory over El Sharma FC. Plateau United F.C. also advanced after edging Ahudiannem FC 2-1.

Enugu-based Ingas FC secured their place in the next round with a narrow 1-0 triumph against Edel FC.

Selected Round of 64 Results

Bayelsa United 2-0 OISA FC

Bendel Insurance 2-1 Katsina United Jnr

Wikki Tourists 2-0 Jigawa Golden Stars

Adamawa Academy 1-2 Flight FC

Adamawa United 1-1 Agbana Wonderful FA (5-4 pens)

Elkanemi Warriors 1-0 Krusader FC

Ikorodu City 4-0 GAA Akanbi FC

Ingas FC 1-0 Edel FC

Rivers United 2-0 G12 FC

Enyimba 4-0 El Sharma FC

Plateau United 2-1 Ahudiannem FC

Sunshine Stars U-19 2-1 Niger Tornadoes

Akwa United 3-0 Wilbros FC

Barau FC 2-0 Zamfara United

Gombe United 3-0 YSFON Stars (walkover)

Katsina United 2-2 Sapele Lions (1-3 pens)

Godswill Akpabio FC 0-1 Rangers International

Kwara United 2-2 Sporting Supreme (4-2 pens)

The remaining Round of 64 fixtures will be played on Wednesday and Thursday as clubs continue their battle for domestic cup success in Nigeria’s oldest football competition.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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