NPFL dominance crumbles as NNL teams storm President Federation Cup quarterfinals

The President Federation Cup witnessed a historic shift as only three Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs remain standing after the Round of 16, marking the first time since 2013 that the top-flight league has such a low representation in the quarterfinals.

The NNL giants, El-Kanemi Warriors and Kebbi United, continued their giant-killing spree, eliminating Shooting Stars and Akwa United respectively. Sokoto United added another NPFL scalp to their collection, sending Enyimba packing with a 1-0 victory.

Despite the shocks, Kano Pillars, Abia Warriors, and Sunshine Stars managed to book their spots in the last eight. Pillars edged Katsina United on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Abia Warriors and Sunshine Stars secured 1-0 victories over Kwara United and Rivers United respectively.

The quarterfinal pairings will see EFCC face Kebbi United, El-Kanemi Warriors clash with Inter Lagos, Abia Warriors battle Sokoto United, and Sunshine Stars take on Kano Pillars. This year’s President’s Cup promises to be an unpredictable and exciting affair, with the NNL teams proving their mettle and challenging the established order of Nigerian football.