Rivers United, Rangers set for President Federation Cup showdown in Round of 32

Nengi Ernest / May 22, 2026 / 23 Views

Rivers United, Rangers set for President Federation Cup showdown in Round of 32

The race for the 2026 President Federation Cup is heating up, and all eyes will be on the blockbuster clash between NPFL title contenders Rivers United and Rangers International after the Round of 32 fixtures were confirmed on Thursday.

Both sides eased through the previous round with convincing performances. Rivers United brushed aside G12 FC of Lagos, while Rangers International overcame NNL outfit Godswill Akpabio United to book a heavyweight meeting in the next stage.

For Rivers United, the tie presents another opportunity to continue their search for a first-ever Federation Cup title, while Rangers,six-time winners of the competition are hoping to end their long wait for domestic silverware, with their last national title coming in 2018.

Defending champions Kwara United will continue their title defence against Sokoto United, who survived a tense penalty shoot-out victory over Mojoda FC to reach this stage.

Sapele Lions, one of the surprise packages of the competition after eliminating Katsina United, will now face Adamawa United as they chase another upset.

Former champions Bendel Insurance are set for a showdown against Crown FC, while giant-killers Bida Lions, who knocked Beyond Limits out of the tournament, will test themselves against NPFL side Warri Wolves.

Nine-time champions Enyimba will square off against Gombe United, while fast-rising Ikorodu City face Jigawa Golden Stars in another intriguing encounter.

There will also be a clash of former winners as Elkanemi Warriors battle Akwa United, while Shooting Stars continue their quest for a first Federation Cup triumph since 1995 when they take on Kada Warriors.

Elsewhere, newly relegated NPFL sides Wikki Tourists and Bayelsa United will face off in a meeting that already carries plenty of emotion and pride.

The Round of 32 matches are scheduled to be played across the country on May 27 and 28, with exact dates, venues, and kickoff times to be announced later by the Nigeria Football Federation competitions department.

Full Round of 32 Fixtures

Kwara United vs Sokoto United

Sapele Lions vs Adamawa United

Bendel Insurance vs Crown FC

Elkanemi Warriors vs Akwa United

Shooting Stars vs Kada Warriors

Wikki Tourists vs Bayelsa United

Bida Lions vs Warri Wolves

Flight FC vs Mighty Jets

Rivers United vs Rangers International

Ejigbo City vs Nasarawa United

Kogi United vs Plateau United