Glo Premier League champions Kano Pillars have been knocked out of the 2014 Federation Cup by Gateway FC, while FC Abuja humbled Akwa United on Thursday.
Gateway beat Pillars 2-1 at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, and Akwa United lost by the same margin to FC Abuja.
Kogi United defeated Yobe Desert Stars 2-1, while Crown FC ousted Bright Stars 4-1 via penalty shootout after ending regulation time with a-goal apiece.
Another top flight club which have failed to advance into the next round of the oldest cup tournament in the country is Gombe United.
Gombe United were eliminated by giant killers Police Baton on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, defending champions Enyimba, 2012 and 2013 winners Heartland FC are through, after both clubs fought back to clinch hard-fought wins on Wednesday.
Enyimba beat Sokoto North FC 3-1 in Abuja, while Heartland recovered to eliminate Ebonyi United 4-3 through penalties after the match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Sharks also survived Kwara United’s onslaught to claim a 4-3 win on penalties after the match, played in Benin, ended 1-1.
