Former champions Bendel Insurance and Enyimba stormed into the next round of the President’s Federation Cup with emphatic victories yesterday.   

Defending champions Bendel Insurance dominated Dandidi Babes, securing a commanding 5-0 victory, while Enyimba dismantled El-Shama by the same scoreline at the Lafia Township Stadium. Ekene Awazie (brace), Mujeeb Odufeso, and Chidiebere Nnachi (brace) were on target in the one-sided contest.  

Elsewhere, Rivers United edged Barau FC 2-1 in Abuja, while 2017 winners Akwa United matched that scoreline against Kebbi United. Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars also advanced with 2-0 wins over Bako FC and Discovery Talent, respectively. 

In other clashes, Wikki Tourists narrowly defeated Edel 1-0, while Beyond Limits, the reigning NNL champions, outclassed Crusaders 4-1 in Benin. Inter Lagos thrashed Harmony FA 5-0, and Crown FC came from behind to demolish NOSMAS FC 7-1, with Hassan Ibitoye bagging a hat-trick. Osun United also edged FWC 2-1. 

Katsina United edged past Green Beret 1-0, while FC Basira cruised past Atlantic FA 5-0. Former finalists Nasarawa United secured a 2-0 win over Flight FC, courtesy of goals from Leonard Ugochukwu and Kabir Balogun. Defending champions Elkanemi Warriors survived a scare to beat Simon Ben FC 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. 

Meanwhile, Shooting Stars and Bayelsa United progressed without kicking a ball after EFCC and Zamfara United failed to show up for their respective matches. 

On Tuesday, Rangers edged Kano Pillars 1-0 in the round’s standout fixture, with Chidozie Okorie’s strike sealing the win in Abuja. Solution FC and Gombe United also booked their places in the next round, defeating Eagle Stars (2-0) and Assemblies of God FC (3-0), respectively.