President Federation Cup: Giant killers, Ahudiyannem, Lobi Stars, others to know play-off opponents next week

Grassroots football club, Ahudiyannem, which overcame Abia Warriors Football Club, and Enyimba Football Club to win the Abia State President Federation Cup, alongside other states’ champions and runners-up, will know their play-off opponents on Wednesday next week, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said.

Ahudiyannem defeated four-time champions, Enyimba of Aba on Sunday via a penalty shootout to win this year’s Abia State championship.

They, alongside the Peoples Elephant, as well as, the 72 other teams from across the country, will be in the bowl when the draw is held in Abuja, on March 5.

The draws for the women’s version of the competition will also be held on the same day to kickstart the run into the final of the championship.

Other teams in the bowl are cup holders, El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, former winners, Lobi Stars of Makurdi, Bendel Insurance of Benin City, Enugu Rangers, Shooting Stars, Heartland FC, Akwa United, and Kano Pillars.

According to the NFF, after the national play-off, which will involve a number of newcomer teams, teams will emerge for the round of 64 draw on March 19.

The remaining teams in the President Federation Cup are state champions and second-placed teams.  They include Heartland of Owerri, which defeated OISA FC to win the Imo FA Cup, Niger State champions, Atlantic FC, which beat Harmony FC in the state’s final, and Kwara United, conquerors of ABS in the Kwara State final.

Also still in the competition are Lobi Stars,  Flight FC (Benue State), Bendel Insurance, Assemblies of God FC (Edo), Wikki Tourists, Warinje FC (Bauchi), Ikorodu City, Inter Lagos (Lagos), Lautai United, Dandidi Babes (Jigawa), Rivers United, Wilbros FC (Rivers State), Imperial FC, Beyond Limits (Ogun), EFCC,