Giant Killings and Penalty Drama Mark President Federation Cup Round of 32

The 2026 President Federation Cup Round of 32 delivered a series of shocks, thrilling penalty shootouts, and dramatic upsets as teams battled for places in the next round of Nigeria’s oldest football competition.

One of the biggest surprises of the round came in Abuja, where Sokoto United stunned Kwara United with a narrow 1-0 victory to eliminate the NPFL side.

Adamawa United also progressed after edging Sapele Lions 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time, while Kada Warriors knocked out Shooting Stars in a dramatic shootout, winning 5-4 after a 1-1 draw.

Defending NPFL champions Rangers International suffered an early exit after a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Rivers United, while Bendel Insurance booked their place in the Round of 16 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Crown FC.

El-Kanemi Warriors overcame Akwa United 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Wikki Tourists defeated Bayelsa United 3-1 to continue their impressive cup run.

Bida Lions recorded a 2-0 victory over Warri Wolves, and Flight FC edged Mighty Jets 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Nasarawa United advanced via walkover after Ejigbo City failed to honour their fixture, while Plateau United secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Kogi United.

FC Basira also progressed after defeating Ingas FC 8-7 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Elsewhere, Ikorodu City defeated Jigawa Golden Stars 2-0, Enyimba edged Gombe United 1-0, Sunshine Stars U-19 overcame Warinje FC 2-1, and Barau FC claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Abakaliki FC.

2026 President Federation Cup Round of 32 Results

Kwara United 0-1 Sokoto United

Sapele Lions 0-0 Adamawa United (2-4 pens)

Bendel Insurance 3-1 Crown FC

El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Akwa United (3-2 pens)

Shooting Stars 1-1 Kada Warriors (4-5 pens)

Wikki Tourists 3-1 Bayelsa United

Bida Lions 2-0 Warri Wolves

Flight FC 1-1 Mighty Jets FC (5-4 pens)

Rivers United 3-2 Rangers International

Ejigbo City 0-3 Nasarawa United (Walkover)

Kogi United 0-1 Plateau United

Ingas FC 1-1 FC Basira (7-8 pens)

Ikorodu City 2-0 Jigawa Golden Stars

Enyimba FC 1-0 Gombe United

Sunshine Stars U-19 2-1 Warinje FC

Barau FC 1-0 Abakaliki FC

With several top-flight clubs already eliminated, the competition remains wide open as the remaining teams set their sights on Federation Cup glory.

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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