Holders Enyimba, Glo NPFL Champions Pillars Out of Federation Cup

Federeration Cup holders Enyimba International FC and Glo Premier League champions Kano Pillars crashed out of the 2015 competition on Wednesday, following defeats to lower league sides Remo Stars and Plateau United respectively.

Back-to-back Federation Cup winners, Enyimba, failed to advance beyond the round of 32 after they suffered a 3-1 penalty shootouts beaten at the hands of Nigeria National League (NNL) side Remo Stars, having played a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Paul Ogbonna broke the deadlock against Enyimba, but Ugwu Uwadiegwu leveled for the People’s Elephant from free-kick.

Pillars were knocked out by another team from the second-tier NNL league, Plateau United in a game which was also decided via penalties after Julius Nuhu leveled for the latter to take the match into extra time at the Anmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

The Jos-based club, which also defeated another team in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) division, Shooting Stars, to reach the third round, eliminated Pillars 5-3 on penalties.

Enyimba's Run of Successive Fed Cup Final Appearances at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Snapped By Remo Stars.
Enyimba’s Run of Successive Fed Cup Final Appearances at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Snapped By Remo Stars.

Elsewhere, El-Kanemi Warriors defeated Gateway FC of Abeokuta 4-3 on penalties after regulation time ended in a deadlock.

Kwara United are through to the fourth round after their 5-3 penalty win over ABU Zaria. There was no separating both teams after regulation time which ended 2-2.

Prime FC won Julius Atete 3-2 on penalties, as Heartland FC edged out fellow Glo Premier League side Sharks FC 1-0.

FC IfeanyiUbah defeated Bayelsa United 2-1, Lobi Stars saw off Niger Tornadoes 1-0.

Kukuruku Dragons’ historic march to the third round of the 2015 Federation Cup failed to see the light of the day, after a 3-0 thrashing by top-flight side Enugu Ranges.

Nasarawa United defeated Makwada Warriors 2-1, while Akwa United defeated Peacemakers 3-1.