By Aderonke Ojo
De Sapele Lions Football Club pulled off a major upset on Tuesday, defeating Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Katsina United FC 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time to book their place in the round of 32 of the 2026 President Federation Cup.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the round of 64 clash at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja, saw the amateur side take the lead in the 35th minute through Seth Edjeba.
The forward, nicknamed “Ikebe” by fans for his height and presence, rose highest to head home and give De Sapele Lions a 1-0 advantage.
Katsina United responded in the second half, with Ahmed Kabiru equalising in the 52nd minute.
The NPFL side went ahead in the 69th minute , through Manessa Yusuf when he took a pass from a corner on the right flank to make it 2-1.
De Sapele Lions refused to back down. In the first minute of added time, Abiodun Durojaiye struck to level the game at 2-2 and force the game to a penalties shootout.
In the shootout, De Sapele Lions, goalkeeper Arinze Okoro proved the hero, saving two penalties.
Katsina United missed three of their four spot-kicks, managing only one conversion, while De Sapele Lions scored three of theirs to seal a 5-3 win.
Speaking after the match,De sapele Lions FC , head coach, Precious Mayor said the victory was a reward for years of perseverance.
“We are so happy. It wasn’t easy, but we believe in God. Defeating an NPFL side today gives us confidence that our players can compete at that level soon.
“This is our first time reaching this stage, and I believe we can go all the way to the final.
“ The club is owned and sponsored by Elvis Ewueje, who has kept this team running for over 10 years without state sponsorship,” he said
Else where,the President Federation Cup Round of 64 ,produced a mix of routine wins for NPFL sides and a few shocks as action played out across the country saw several premier league clubs advanced comfortably.
Enyimba International FC thrashed El Sharma FC 4-0;Rivers United FC defeated G12 FC 2-0;Ikorodu City FC recorded win with a 4-0 hammering of GAA Akanbi FC;Akwa United FC eased past Wilbros FC 3-0.
Others are Rangers International FC edged Godswill Akpabio FC 1-0, and Plateau United came from behind to beat Ahudiannem FC 2-1.
Other top-flight teams also secured progress: Bayelsa United FC beat OISA FC 2-0; Wikki Tourists FC saw off Jigawa Golden Stars 2-0, and El-Kanemi Warriors FC edged Krusader FC 1-0.
Gombe United FC advanced 3-0 via a walkover against YSFON Stars, while Kwara United needed penalties to overcome Sporting Supreme 4-2 after a 2-2 draw.
The round also delivered drama and upsets as Bendel Insurance FC came from behind to beat Katsina United Juniors FC 2-1; Flight FC defeated Adamawa Academy 2-1,
While Barau FC beat Zamfara United FC ,2-0 ;Ingas FC edged Edel FC 1-0, and Sunshine Stars U-19 claimed a 2-1 win over Niger Tornadoes FC.
In a tight contest, Adamawa United FC drew 1-1 with Agbana Wonderful FA before prevailing 5-4 on penalties.
NAN reports that the 2026 President Federation Cup Round of 64 fixtures continue across the country this week, with winners advancing to the round of 32.(NAN)