The ongoing President’s Federation Cup lived up to billings yesterday as reigning champions, El Kanemi Warriors of Borno State were sent packing from the competition by Enyimba FC.

It was not only the champions that will miss the next stage of the Federation Cup, NPFL teams, Rivers United and Lobi Stars were also sent packing by two NNL sides Beyond Limits and Solution FC.

In Abuja, it was a slim victory for Enyimba as they won 1-0 to dump out 2024 Federations Cup winners El Kanemi Warriors.

It was a huge upset at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, as academy and NNL side, Beyond Limits sent NPFL top guns Rivers United out of cup competition.

Less than 20 minutes into the encounter, young prolific striker Marvel Akinocho scored the opener, after a beautiful ball into the box, and then grabbed his brace early in the second half.

 Rivers United tried to mount a comeback after an own goal from Abass, but the young boys proved strong to hold on till the end.

In Aba, Lobi Stars woes continued, as they were dealt a 2-1 defeat in the hands of Solution FC by virtue of a late penalty conceded by Solomon Kwambe.

Vincent Temitope came back to haunt his former side Sunshine Stars in Kogi, as his lone goat helped Plateau United past the Owena Whales.

Ikorodu City got the better of NNL side Crown FC, in Ijebu Ode through goals from captain Waliu Ojetoye, Salah Yusuf and Ayomide Cole.

At the Lafia City Stadium in Lafia,Nasarawa State, Bendel Insurance brushed aside Adamawa Utd 3-0. 

Kayode Oke Solomon turned out to be the only potent instrument Insurance FC needed in their attack as he scored a hat-trick to help the Benin Arsenals triumph over the Adamawa side.

The Benin Arsenals’ forward Kayode Oke opened scoring for the 2023 champions in the 25th minute and doubled the lead in the 38th minute to go into halftime with confidence. 

The energetic forward remained hungry for more goals as his effort was crowned with a third goal in the 87th minute to seal victory for Insurance FC and also get his first hat trick for his new club.

ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES 

Enyimba FC (Abia) v Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi)

Nasarawa (Nasarawa) v  Bayelsa Utd (Bayelsa)

Warri Wolves (Delta) v.  Wikki Tourists (Bauchi)

Ikorodu City (Lagos) v. Beyond Limits (Ogun)

Akwa Utd (A’Ibom) v. Inter Lagos (Lagos)/Jr. Danburan

Solution FC (Anambra) v. Kwara Utd  (Kwara)

Plateau Utd (Plateau) v  Osun Utd (Osun)

B’Insurance (Edo) v. Enugu Rangers (Enugu)