Federation Cup: Bendel Insurance fails in Abuja as Wikki eliminate defending champion
Bendel Insurance’s hopes of defending their 2023 Federation Cup title came to an end on Wednesday after they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria National League side Wikki Tourists in a round of 32 games in Abuja.
Two second-half goals from Promise Damala and Stephen Owolabi knocked the Benin Arsenal out as the Bauchi side, who missed out on the chance to return to the elite league, continued their fine run in the cup competition.
Wikki has now set a round of 16 meetings with fellow NNL side EFCC FC.
In other big clashes in the round of 32, Sunshine Stars also edged fellow Nigeria Premier Football League side Plateau United 3-2 on penalties after normal time ended 1-1.
Sunshine scored a late equaliser courtesy of Opeoluwa Olufemi while goalkeeper David Ariyo also made a decisive save to seal the win in the shootout.
In Awka, Christian Pyagbara and Adams Agba were on target as 3SC knocked out Lobi Stars 2-0.
Rivers United beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Benin to set up a round-of-16 meeting against Sunshine while Katsina United edged Bayelsa United 1-0 and will now face Kano Pillars in a northwest derby round-of-16 game.
Pillars beat Doma United 1-0 in their round 32 game in Bauchi.
In other matches, Inter Lagos also required penalties to beat Hammola 4-1 after normal time ended goalless while a Chijioke Mbaoma’s lone goal sealed a 1-0 win for Enyimba over FC One Rocket just as Kwara United pipped Warri Wolves 1-0.
