The 2025 President Federation Cup Round of 32 delivered an unforgettable night of football, packed with surprises, heartbreaks, and dominant performances. From NPFL teams suffering shock exits to lower league sides proving their mettle, the competition once again reminded fans why it remains one of Nigeria’s most unpredictable tournaments.
Key Highlights from the Round of 32
- Beyond Limits 2-1 Rivers United—Beyond Limits sent a strong message, showing the quality that would have kept them competitive in the NPFL had they taken their promotion last season. Rivers United, a powerhouse in Nigerian football, were left stunned.
- Lobi Stars 1-2 Solution FC – A season to forget for Lobi Stars. Their struggles in the league followed them into the Federation Cup as they fell to NNL side Solution FC, adding more misery to an already disappointing campaign.
- Ikorodu City 3-1 Crown FC: Ikorodu City put on a commanding display, sealing their place in the next round with an impressive attacking performance.
- Sunshine Stars 0-1 Plateau United: A tightly contested encounter saw Plateau United edge past Sunshine Stars with a narrow but crucial victory.
- Rangers Int’l 1-1 Heartland FC (PK: 5-3): In one of the most thrilling matches of the round, Rangers International triumphed over Heartland FC in a tense penalty shootout.
- Abakaliki FC 0-0 Katsina United (PK: 3-2) Another NPFL side bites the dust. Katsina United became the latest Premier League team to suffer elimination at the hands of a resilient NNL side, as Abakaliki FC held firm and secured their spot in the next round via penalties.
- Bayelsa United 2-0 Basira FC A professional performance from Bayelsa United saw them ease past Basira FC without much trouble.
- Enyimba FC 1-0 Elkanemi Warriors The People’s Elephant marched on with a hard-fought win over Elkanemi Warriors, keeping their Federation Cup dream alive.
- Akwa United 2-0 Mighty Jets Feeders Akwa United flexed their superiority with a comfortable victory, proving too strong for the Mighty Jets Feeders.
- Osun United 1-1 E-World FC (PK 4-2) A dramatic shootout win for Osun United after a gritty 1-1 draw, keeping their hopes alive.
- Nasarawa United 5-0 Ijele FC—the most dominant performance of the round. Nasarawa United showed no mercy, crushing Ijele FC in a goalfest.
- Wikki Tourists 1-0 Rovers FC A narrow but crucial win for Wikki Tourists as they navigated a tricky fixture.
- Bendel Insurance 3-0 Adamawa United A convincing victory for Bendel Insurance, who showed their class with a statement win.
The final match of the Round of 32 will see Inter Lagos take on Jr Danburam FC in Ayangba, Kogi, at 4 PM tomorrow.
With the Round of 16 set to feature a mix of NPFL giants and ambitious lower-league teams, the Federation Cup is shaping up to be an electrifying contest where anything can happen.
