EL-KANEMI Warriors, who defeated Abia Warriors 2-0 in the final game of the 2024 President Federation Cup, will face another team from Abia State, Enyimba, in a round-of-32 battle for the trophy this year.
Both El-Kanemi and Enyimba are mid-table strugglers in the 2024/25 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), and the President Federation Cup presents the teams with a possible route to return to the continent next year.
They participated in the CAF Confederation Cup this year, with El-Kanemi exiting the competition in the first round, while Enyimba were knocked out in the group stage.
To qualify for the round of 32, El-Kanemi beat Simon Ben FC 3-2, while Enyimba bashed El-Shama 5-0. The match will be held in Bwari, Abuja, tomorrow.
In the other round of 32 games, NPFL side, Katsina United, will meet with little-known Abakiliki FC of Ebonyi State at the Area 3 Abuja Stadium, Nasarawa United will meet amateur side, Ijele FC of Enugu in Anyingba, while Bayelsa United and Basira of Nasarawa State will clash in Kaduna.
Delta State’s Warri Wolves qualified for the round of 16 without kicking a ball as their opponents, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, were disqualified for falling foul of the rules. They await the round of 32 results to discover their opponents in the next round.
Before then, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi will lock horns with Calabar Rovers FC at the Lafia Township Stadium, Ikorodu City of Lagos, and Crown of Ogbomosho, Oyo will meet in Ijebu-Ode, Beyond Limit of Ogun State will be up against Rivers United in Benin City, just as Mighty Jets Feeders of Plateau State will clash with Akwa United in Anyingba.
Other round of 32 clashes tomorrow involve Inter Lagos against Jr. Danburan of Katsina in Anyingba, Lobi Stars of Benue State versus Solution FC of Anambra State in Aba, Kwara United versus Gombe United at the Lafia Stadium, Sunshine Stars of Ondo against Plateau United in Anyingba and Osun United versus E-World FC of Cross River at the Awka Township Stadium.
Former champions, Bendel Insurance of Edo State will meet Adamawa United at the Lafia Stadium, while Awka will host the battle of two former multiple champions, Enugu Rangers and Heartland of Owerri.
