When the quarterfinals of this year’s Federation Cup get underway, no “traditional heavyweight” team will be in the fixture. This is a result of the wave of shocks that swept across the competition last week.

All over the world, the FA Cup (President Federation Cup in Nigeria) is synonymous with surprises, and the 2026 edition of the Nigerian championship has not been any different.

The quarterfinal of this year’s President Federation Cup will be contested by ‘minnows’ following the exit of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) runners-up Rivers United in the Round of 16. The Pride of Rivers were eliminated by Nasarawa United on penalties.

In one of the most anticipated fixtures of the round, Rivers United and Nasarawa United battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time. The encounter was eventually decided from the spot, where Nasarawa United held their nerve to secure a 4-2 victory and book their place in the quarter-finals.

Many football followers had tipped the Port Harcourt-based side to mount a serious challenge for the trophy, especially after narrowly missing out on the NPFL title.

The defeat has ended the hopes of Coach Finidi George and his team of claiming silverware this season after losing the league crown to Rangers International on the final day of the campaign. Rivers United have already secured qualification for next season’s CAF Champions League.

Another traditional heavyweight, Bendel Insurance FC, also exited the competition dramatically after squandering a commanding 3-0 first-half lead against El-Kanemi Warriors. The Maiduguri side staged a remarkable comeback to level the scores at 3-3 before triumphing 8-7 in a tense penalty shootout.

Also, former Federation Cup and NPFL champions, Enyimba FC of Aba, bowed out after suffering a 5-4 penalty defeat to Ikorodu City following a hard-fought contest.

Plateau United advanced to the next round with a 2-1 victory over Basira FC, while Wikki Tourists defeated Kada Warriors 3-1. Barau FC continued their impressive run by edging Sunshine Stars U-19 2-1, and Sokoto United secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Adamawa United.

The quarterfinals pairing will seeSokoto United against El-kanemi Warriors, while Wikki Tourists face Flight FC.

Nasarawa United will do battle with Plateau United, just as Ikorodu City will face Barau FC.