A number of teams in the top-tier Nigeria Premier Football League countenance exit from this year’s President Federation Cup as the Round of 32 matches hold across the country on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Former champions Lobi Stars and Shooting Stars battle in Awka while holders Bendel Insurance are up in arms against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as Plateau United and Sunshine Stars test might also in Abuja.
Katsina United square up to Bayelsa United in Abuja as well, while CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finalists Rivers United throw their weight up against Niger Tornadoes.
Giant-killers Hammola FC and Inter Lagos are at each other’s jugular in Ibadan, while former CAF Champions League winners Enyimba must guard their loins against free-scoring FC One Rocket in Yenagoa, and Enugu is the battleground for the confrontation between Warri Wolves and Kwara United.
Meanwhile, Akwa United head coach, Mohammed Babaganaru says his players are fully committed to ensure that they record victories in all their remaining matches this season.
The Promise Keepers will face Zamfara Feeders in the Round of 32 of the Federation Cup on Thursday at the Bwari Township Stadium, Bwari.
Babaganaru insisted that it is important for his side to give their best against their unknown opponent.
“We are all aware of how teams play in Cup competitions and that is why we don’t want to leave any stone unturned. It is a very critical time for us at Akwa United and we are more than ready for our match on Thursday. We have done a lot of work and we believe that the boys are fully committed and dedicated for the task ahead,” he told the club’s official website.
“The most important thing is that we are going to take it one game at a time and the one in front of us is the Presidential Federation Cup game against Zamfara United Feeders. Although we don’t know much about the team, we believe that they are a good team with ambition and that is why we have to put in everything to ensure we come out victorious and qualify to the round of 16”.
The Uyo club are aiming to lift the trophy for the third time in nine years.
SOME MEN’S ROUND OF 32 FIXTURES:
Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) – Abuja Area 3 – 22/05/24
EFCC FC (FCT) Vs Edel FC (Anambra) – Ilorin – 22/05/24 – 4pm
ABS FC (Kwara) Vs Kebbi United (Kebbi) – Abuja Goal Project – 23/05/24 – 4pm
Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs Zamfara United Feeders (Zamfara) – Abuja Bwari – 23/05/24 – 4pm
