Akwa United have started their Federation Cup title defence in ruthless form after they dispatched Hope of Glory of Calabar 7-0 in a one-sided tie played in Port Harcourt but 3SC, Heartland and Bendel Insurance who have won the competition jointly on 14 occasions are among the early casualties of the Round of 64 on Sunday.
In Port Harcourt at the Sharks Stadium, goals from Bright Ejukwu, Victor Mbaoma (2), Aniekeme Asuquo (2) and Ezekiel Bassey (2) ensured that the Promise Keepers began the defence of the crown they won last year in impressive form but was not a palatable experience at the same centre when Heartland were thrown out.
The Naze Millionaires got the shocker of their life when they were behind against Nigeria National League side, Cofine of Uyo through the goal of Mboutidem Charles in the 20th minute but the three times Federation Cup winners equalized in the 41st minute through Moses Akinade before they were knocked out 4-2 on penalties.
Bendel Insurance were also eliminated by Remo Stars while Abia Warriors stopped Smart City of Lagos 2-1 in a lively fixture in Warri. Osun United, Kano Pillars, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Plateau United, Katsina United Feeders, Kogi United, Supreme Court, Crown FC are among the teams that are through to the Round of 32.
There are still a few outstanding fixtures to be decided on Monday and Tuesday before the draw for the Round of 32 later in the week.
Next Match
Some of the Round 64 Results
Smart City 1-2 Abia Warriors
Bendel Insurance 0-1 Remo Stars Feeders
Minda FC 1-2 Osun United
Akwa United 7-0 Hope of Glory
Ngwa United 2-3 Kano Pillars
Sunshine Stars 3-1 FC Ifeanyi Ubah Feeders
Plateau United 2-0 Zabgai FC
Katsina United Feeders 3-1 Jigawa Golden Stars
Igho FC 0-4 Kogi United
Cofine FC 1-1 Heartland (Cofine won 4-2 after penalties)
Supreme Court 0-0 3SC (Supreme Court through 5-4 on penalties)
Kano Pillars Junior 2-2 Crown FC (Crown progress to the next round 5-4 on penalties)
Go Round 3-0 Dan Masari ( Go Round are through to the next round by virtue of a walkover)
Wasiu Alabelewe 0-3 Enyimba
ABS FC 1-1 Kebbi United (Kebbi United triumph 3-2 on penalties)