Fed Cup: El-Kanemi Warriors dethroned; minnows send Rivers Utd, Lobi Stars packing

Defending champions, El-Kanemi Warriors, have been eliminated from the 2025 President Federation Cup after a 1-0 defeat to four-time winners Enyimba in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.   Nnaji Christian’s lone goal proved decisive, sending the three-time champions out of Nigeria’s oldest club competition. Also, in a stunning turn of events, two Nigeria Premier Football […]

Defending champions, El-Kanemi Warriors, have been eliminated from the 2025 President Federation Cup after a 1-0 defeat to four-time winners Enyimba in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.  

Nnaji Christian’s lone goal proved decisive, sending the three-time champions out of Nigeria’s oldest club competition.

Also, in a stunning turn of events, two Nigeria Premier Football League teams, Rivers United and Lobi Stars, have been ousted from the 2025 President Federation Cup by Nigeria National League clubs. 

Beyond Limits Football Academy pulled off a significant upset, defeating Rivers United 2-1, while the struggling Lobi Stars fell to the newly established Solutions FC, also losing 2-1.

Similarly, Kwara United advanced with a narrow 1-0 victory over Gombe United at Lafia Township Stadium in Nasarawa. 

Shola AbdulRaheem scored the crucial goal in the 54th minute, skillfully converting a cross from Yahaya Ibrahim to secure the win for the Harmony Boys. Although Kwara United dominated the first half, they squandered several clear opportunities, with Lewis Dandong, Junior Aimufua, and Wasiu Alalade unable to find the net.

Gombe United tried to mount a comeback, but a strong defensive effort led by Jimoh Gbadamosi ensured Kwara United maintained a clean sheet.

Following the match, Coach Tunde Sanni expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and indicated that their focus would now shift to the upcoming NPFL Matchday 33 clash against Plateau United in Jos on Sunday. 

In another match, Kayode Oke scored a hat-trick as Bendel Insurance secured a 3-0 victory over Adamawa United, also advancing to the Round of 16. Oke opened the scoring in the 32nd minute and added two more goals, the last of which came just three minutes before the final whistle.

Nasarawa United also progressed to the Round of 16 after a commanding 5-0 win against Ijele FC, with Qamar Adegoke scoring twice, joined by goals from Chidera Nduka, Ugochukwu Leonard, and Peter Eneji.

Elsewhere, Ikorodu City advanced to the round of 16 after they defeated Crown Fc Ogbomosho by 3-1.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi are doubtful for Kano Pillars’ Matchday 32 clash against Heartland due to personal reasons. 

Musa last played in a 1-1 draw against Nasarawa United, while Abdullahi’s last appearance was against Lobi Stars on Matchday 13.

The two teams will meet at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Sunday, having previously played to a 2-2 draw in their earlier encounter, where Rabiu Ali and Musa scored for Kano Pillars, and Suraju Lawal netted twice for Heartland.