Former champions Enyimba FC and Rangers International secured their places in the last 16 of the Federal Cup on Wednesday, while Rivers United suffered a shock elimination at the hands of second-tier side Beyond Limits FA.
Enyimba edge El-Kanemi warriors
Enyimba booked their spot in the next round with a narrow 1-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors.
The decisive moment came in the first half, when Christian Nnaji found the net, ensuring the Aba-based club progressed in their quest for another domestic title.
Despite El-Kanemi’s efforts to fight back, Enyimba’s defensive resilience proved too strong, as they successfully saw out the win.
Rangers triumph in penalty shootout against Heartland
In a closely contested encounter at Awka Stadium, Rangers International emerged victorious over arch-rivals Heartland FC, winning 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Heartland had taken the lead in the first half, but Rangers responded with an equalizer in the second period, forcing the game into a tense shootout.
Rangers kept their composure from the spot, converting all their penalties, while Heartland faltered under pressure.
Rivers United stunned by beyond Limits FA
The biggest upset of the day came in Benin City, where Beyond Limits FA—a Nigerian National League (NNL) side—shocked Rivers United 2-1 to book a historic place in the round of 16.
Merveille Akinocho was the hero for Beyond Limits, scoring twice—first in the 14th minute, and again just after the break—to put the underdogs in control.
Rivers United pulled one back in the 67th minute, but their comeback efforts fell short, sending them out of the competition earlier than expected.
Federal Cup round of 16 fixtures
The next round of the Federal Cup promises exciting encounters as the remaining teams battle for a place in the quarter-finals.
The fixtures are as follows:
- Enyimba FC (Abia) vs. Abakaliki (Ebonyi)
- Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) vs. Bayelsa United (Bayelsa)
- Warri Wolves (Delta) vs. Wikki Tourists (Bauchi)
- Ikorodu City (Lagos) vs. Beyond Limits (Ogun)
- Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) vs. Inter Lagos (Lagos)
- Jr. Solution FC (Anambra) vs. Kwara United (Kwara)
- Plateau United (Plateau) vs. Osun United (Osun)
- Bendel Insurance (Edo) vs. Rangers Int’l (Enugu)
With several heavyweights still in contention, the road to the Federal Cup final remains wide open, setting the stage for even more thrilling encounters in the coming rounds.
