Second-tier division club side, Sokoto United have pulled a great shock as they sent the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) defending champions, Enyimba out of the Federation Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win.

The Round of 16 played at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Abuja saw Sokoto United fulfilling their plans to bring down the Elephants of Aba with Yahaya Husseini scoring the only goal of the game in the 20th minute as the coach Ejeni Peter led side progressed to the quarterfinals. Enyimba had missed two penalties in the thrilling encounter.

It will be recalled that before the game, the Nigeria National League club had hoped to replicate the impressive display against another NPFL side, Nasarawa United whom they defeated 1-0 in a keenly contested match.

“Ahead of the President Federation Cup Round of 16 clash…We’re stoutly ready for Enyimba!.” Sokoto United wrote on X then.

In the same vein, Kano Pillars won the Northwest Derby as they edged out arch-rivals, Katsina United 8-7 on penalties after the regulation time had ended 1-1.

Other results saw Kebbi United seeing off Akwa United 1-0 to qualify for the quarterfinal of the cup competition, just as Shooting Stars’ run in the cup came to an end when they were beaten 1-0 another lower league club El Kanemi Warriors. Sunshine Stars outscored Rivers United 1-0 thanks to an early goal by Lucky Nwafor to advance to the last eight. Rivers United had missed a penalty 19 minutes from time.

Inter Lagos defeated Ikorodu City 5-4 on penalties after the regulation time also ended 1-1.

Abia Warriors also defeated Kwara United 4-3 on penalties after the regulation time ended 1-1 while EFCC qualified to the quarter-finals after defeating Wikki Tourists 1-0.

Following these results, EFCC FC will battle Kebbi United while El-Kanemi Warriors trade tackles with Inter Lagos.

Abia Warriors will lock horns with Sokoto United (Sokoto) just as Sunshine Stars await Kano Pillars.

The winners of the Federation Cup will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.