President’s Federation Cup: NPFL giants progress as Sapele Lions, Sunshine Stars’ U19 spring upsets in Round of 64

The 2026 President’s Federation Cup Round of 64 delivered drama and upsets across multiple venues on Tuesday, as several Nigeria Premier Football League clubs advanced to the Round of 32 while lower-league sides made their presence felt.

Former champions Rangers International edged past Godswill Akpabio FC 1-0, while Enyimba produced the most commanding display of the day, thrashing El-Shama FC 4-0. Akwa United were equally ruthless in a 3-0 win over Wilbros FC, with Aniebiet Sunday grabbing a brace — opening the scoring in the 28th minute from Nsikak Raphael’s corner before adding a second in the 35th minute off Paulinus Okon’s assist.

Rivers United secured a 2-0 triumph over G12 FC, with Iyowuna Douglas opening the scoring before veteran striker Chijioke Mbaoma sealed it in the 77th minute. At the Anyigba Sports Complex in Kogi State, Nasarawa United defeated Westgate FC 3-1 in an entertaining contest. Ugochukwu Leonard gave Nasarawa the lead in the 41st minute, Sam Pam doubled it three minutes later, and Salomon Chigoziem wrapped up victory deep into stoppage time — Elegbede Festus grabbing a late consolation for the losers.

Bendel Insurance also advanced with a 2-1 win over Katsina United Junior Team, while Barau FC dispatched Zamfara United 2-0 through goals from Muhammad Umar and Sunday Anthony.

Ikorodu City produced one of the most emphatic results of the round, hammering Gaa Akanbi FC 4-0, with Chidera Oparocha stealing the headlines with a hat-trick.

The round’s biggest surprises came courtesy of Sapele Lions FC and Sunshine Stars U19. Sapele Lions held Katsina United to a 2-2 draw before prevailing 4-2 on penalties, while Sunshine Stars U19 edged Niger Tornadoes 2-1 in a notable scalp. Kwara United survived their own scare against Sporting Supreme U19 — level at 2-2 before winning 4-2 in the shootout — and Adamawa United also needed spot-kicks to see off Agbana Wonderful FA, winning 5-4 after a 1-1 draw. El-Kanemi Warriors and Flight FC also progressed, beating Krusaders FC 1-0 and Adamawa Academy 2-1 respectively, while Gombe United advanced via a 3-0 walkover against YSFON Stars.

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

*Adamawa United win 5-4 on penalties

El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Krusaders FC

Ikorodu City 4-0 Gaa Akanbi FC

Ingas FC 1-0 Edel FC

G12 FC 0-2 Rivers United

El-Shama FC 0-4 Enyimba FC

Ahudiannem FC 1-2 Plateau United

Sunshine Stars U19 2-1 Niger Tornadoes

Akwa United 3-0 Wilbros FC

Zamfara United 0-2 Barau FC

Gombe United 3-0 YSFON Stars (walkover)

Katsina United 2-2 Sapele Lions FC

*Sapele Lions win 4-2 on penalties)

Godswill Akpabio FC 0-1 Rangers Int’l

Kwara United 2-2 Sporting Supreme U19

*Kwara United win 4-2 on penalties