This year’s edition of the Nigerian Federation Cup will witness three teams making their debuts at the semi-final stage of the Cup competition, with Ikorodu City set to take on giant-killers, Abalaliki FC, while Kwara United will face Enugu Rangers.
Abakaliki FC followed up their ouster of Enyimba in the Round of 16 stage with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Nasarawa United following a 1-1 draw with the Nigeria Premier Football League outfit.
The Nigeria National League side came from a goal down to get the win and set up the clash against Ikorodu City, with the Lagos-based NPFL highflyers getting a 1-0 win over Wikki Tourists in Abuja through Shola Adelani’s second-half penalty to book a first-ever semi-final spot in the competition.
Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the match, with Ikorodu City first to see red when Leonard Ngenge was sent off with 20 minutes to go
Kwara United came from two goals down to play out a 2-2 draw with Akwa United and force the games to penalties, where the Afonja Warriors prevailed 5-3 to set up a last four meeting with Enugu Rangers, who edged Plateau United 1-0 to reach the semis.