Four-times Federation Cup winners, Enyimba survived a scare from non-league side, Warinje Academy before qualifying for the Round of 32 of the competition on penalties.
Zamfara United created an upset eliminating multiple Federation Cup runners up, Mighty Jets 1-0. Niger Tornadoes, Kwara United, FC One Rocket, Hammola FC Lobi Stars, EFCC, Edel FC, Shooting Stars, Plateau United, Abia Warriors, Sokoto United, Bendel Insurance, Akwa United and Sunshine Stars have all qualified for the Round 32.
In the game played on Thursday at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin, the People’s Elephant rested most of their regular players but deservedly got ahead in the fourth minute through Desmond Ojietefian. Enyimba’s inability to kill off the game made Warinje Academy to grow into the game before the got the equalizer in the 81st minute.
The game ended 1-1 and was settled by penalties which Enyimba eventually won 7-6 on penalties after goalkeeper, Ozoemena Ani caught Warinje’s ninth spot kick and stepped up to score the match winning kick.
In Abuja, Kano Pillars atoned for their loss to Enugu Rangers in the 2018 Federation Cup final following their victory in the Round of 64 over the current Nigeria Premier Football League leaders on penalties.
The game had ended in a 1-1 draw before Abdullahi Maikaba’s men prevailed over Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men 7-6 on penalties. It was a revenge for Maikaba who beat the team he last worked before returning back home to coach Kano Pillars.
Niger Tornadoes zoomed past Niger Tornadoes Feeders 3-1. Bello Mohammed opened the scoring for the Feeders team in the 64th minute but Tornadoes equalised in the 67th minute through Victor Okoro. Ikechukwu Nwani got the second for the Ikon Allah Boys in the 77th minute while Okoro bagged his brace from the spot in the 85th minute.
Akwa United pipped Cynosure FC 1-0 with Damilare Johnson scoring the only goal in the 90th minute while Kwara United pummelled Rovers 4-1.
Meze Chukwudi’s lone goal was enough for Bendel Insurance who pipped Abeokuta Stormers 1-0 while Ofirima FC bowed out 4-1 on penalties to Sokoto United after a 2-2 draw at the end of the regulation time in Lafia.
FC One Rocket thrashed Fr. Eburuaja 5-0 in Aba to end the run of Fr. Emmanuel Eburuaja’s led side. Shooting Stars triumphed 3-2 on penalties over Solution FC despite ending the game with 10 men.
Sunshine Stars and Plateau United walked over Jedo Academy and Ekiti United respectively. Beyond Limits were eliminated by Hammola FC 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 at regulation time.
Lobi Stars whitewashed Delta Marines 6-1 while EFCC FC detained Osun United FC 4-2 on penalties after the regulation time ended 1-1. Edel FC thrashed Discovery FA 4-0 while Abia Warriors beat Ilaji FC 4-2 with Sunday Megwo scoring two goals.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
