Sokoto United caused one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 President Federation Cup after knocking out defending champions Kwara United with a hard-earned 1-0 win in the Round of 32.
The result brought Kwara United’s title defence to an early end and opened the door for other contenders as the battle for a place in the Round of 16 intensified.
Former champions Rivers United secured their passage with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Rangers International in one of the standout matches of the round. Enyimba also moved into the next stage after edging past Gombe United 1-0.
Bendel Insurance recorded a comfortable 3-1 win against Crown FC, while Wikki Tourists defeated Bayelsa United 3-1. Plateau United also advanced thanks to a narrow 1-0 success over Kogi United.
Several fixtures were decided by penalties. Adamawa United overcame Sapele Lions after a shootout, while El-Kanemi Warriors eliminated Akwa United from the spot. Kada Warriors stunned Shooting Stars on penalties, and FC Basira and Flight FC also booked their places in the next round through shootout victories.
Elsewhere, Bida Lions defeated Warri Wolves 2-0, Ikorodu City beat Jigawa Golden Stars 2-0, Sunshine Stars U19 overcame Warinje FC 2-1, and Barau FC edged Abakaliki FC 1-0. Nasarawa United progressed with a 3-0 walkover victory over Ejigbo City.
With the holders now out of the competition, the race for the prestigious trophy remains wide open as the remaining teams prepare for the Round of 16.
Round of 32 Results
•Kwara United 0-1 Sokoto United
•Sapele Lions 0-0 Adamawa United (Pens: 2-4)
•Bendel Insurance 3-1 Crown FC
•El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Akwa United (Pens: 3-2)
•Shooting Stars 1-1 Kada Warriors (Pens: 4-5)
•Wikki Tourists 3-1 Bayelsa United
•Bida Lions 2-0 Warri Wolves
•Flight FC 1-1 Mighty Jets FC (Pens: 5-4)
•Rivers United 3-2 Rangers International
•Ejigbo City 0-3 Nasarawa United (Walkover)
•Kogi United 0-1 Plateau United
•Ingas FC 1-1 FC Basira (Pens: 7-8)
•Ikorodu City 2-0 Jigawa Golden Stars
•Enyimba FC 1-0 Gombe United
•Sunshine Stars U19 2-1 Warinje FC
•Barau FC 1-0 Abakaliki FC
