The fixtures for the men’s and women’s competition of this year’s President Federation Cup national competition will see some mouth-watering encounters with some elite clubs squaring up against less fancied teams.
Speaking during the ceremony, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi assured participating teams, officials, and football stakeholders that the country’s oldest and most prestigious football competition would be maintained on a level-playing ground for all the teams, emphasizing that all regulations guiding the smooth and transparent organization of the tournament would be strictly upheld.
During the draw, defending champions Kwara United were seeded at number one, while last year’s runners-up Abakaliki FC were placed at number 64. The tournament, as is the tradition, will be played strictly on a knockout basis.
Sanusi also confirmed that Asaba, the capital city of Delta State, will host the grand finale of this year’s President Federation Cup competition.
Several top-flight clubs were handed challenging fixtures following the draw. Former champions Bendel Insurance will face Agbana Wonderful FC, while Rangers International are set to battle Mojoda FC. Rivers United will take on Sporting Supreme U-19, and Enyimba International have been drawn against Jigawa Golden Stars Junior.
Other notable fixtures include Shooting Stars versus GAA Akanbi FC, Plateau United against Cynosure FC, and Niger Tornadoes taking on Bida Lions FC. El-Kanemi Warriors will square up against Ingas FC, while Akwa United face Kanta Warriors.
The competition also features several grassroots and academy sides hoping to cause major upsets against established clubs, underlining the tournament’s reputation for surprises and fierce competition.
Some of the standout Round of 64 fixtures include:
Bendel Insurance FC vs Kogi United FC
Rangers International FC vs Mojoda FC
Rivers United FC vs Sporting Supreme U-19
Enyimba International FC vs Jigawa Golden Stars Junior
Plateau United FC vs Cynosure FC
Shooting Stars FC vs GAA Akanbi FC
Niger Tornadoes FC vs Bida Lions FC
Ikorodu City FC vs Kebbi United FC
Warri Wolves FC vs Bichi First FC
Bayelsa United FC vs YSFON Stars
Women’s Competition:
Rivers Angels Vs NAF Queens
Abia Angels Vs Ikukuoma Queens
FC Robo Queens Vs Rangers Women
Remo Stars Ladies Vs Onimarg FC
Ahudiannem Queens Vs Moje Queens
Heartland Queens Vs Dragon Fury Ladies
Ibom Angels Vs Fortress Ladies
Pacesetter Queens Vs Bayelsa Queens
Osun Babes Vs Plateau United Queens
Sunshine Queens Vs Solo Wonders
Confluence Queens Vs Gallant Queens
Fuoye Queens Vs Esthington FC
Delta Queens Vs Royal Queens
Edo Queens Vs Ghetto Tiger Queens
Naija Ratels Vs Mighty Jets Mata
Osklean FC Vs Nasarawa Amazons