Rivers United secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Barau FC in Abuja, thanks to goals from Chijioke Mbaoma and Philip Odubia, although George Eyia was not among the scorers. This win was mirrored by 2017 champions Akwa United, who also won 2-1 against Kebbi United.
Other teams that advanced to the next round include Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars, who both achieved impressive 2-0 wins. Sunshine Stars defeated Bako FC, while Lobi Stars outplayed Discovery Talent.
Former champions Bendel Insurance and Enyimba made resounding statements in the President’s Federation Cup, advancing to the next round with convincing victories. Bendel Insurance, the defending champions, delivered a dominant performance, crushing Dandidi Babes 5-0. Enyimba mirrored this achievement, dismantling El-Shama by the same scoreline at the Lafia Township Stadium.
The goal-scorers for Bendel Insurance included Ekene Awazie, who scored twice, Mujeeb Odufeso, and Chidiebere Nnachi, who also netted a brace. In other matches, Wikki Tourists secured a narrow 1-0 win over Edel, while Beyond Limits, the reigning NNL champions, showcased their prowess with a 4-1 victory over Crusaders in Benin.
Inter Lagos demonstrated their attacking prowess, thrashing Harmony FA 5-0. In a thrilling comeback, Crown FC overcame an initial deficit to demolish NOSMAS FC 7-1, with Hassan Ibitoye scoring an impressive hat-trick. Osun United also secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over FWC. These results set the stage for exciting matchups in the next round of the President’s Federation Cup.
Katsina United secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Green Beret, while FC Basira dominated Atlantic FA with an impressive 5-0 win. Nasarawa United, former finalists, earned a convincing 2-0 win over Flight FC, thanks to goals from Leonard Ugochukwu and Kabir Balogun.
In a thrilling match, defending champions Elkanemi Warriors narrowly escaped an upset, defeating Simon Ben FC 3-2. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars and Bayelsa United advanced to the next round without having to take the field, as their opponents, EFCC and Zamfara United, failed to show up for their respective matches.
In another exciting fixture, Rangers edged Kano Pillars 1-0, with Chidozie Okorie’s decisive strike securing the win in Abuja. Solution FC and Gombe United also booked their spots in the next round, defeating Eagle Stars 2-0 and Assemblies of God FC 3-0, respectively.
