Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-17 03:22:50
Among the clubs expected to learn their opponents in the upcoming 2024 Federation Cup draw in Abuja tomorrow are defending champions Bendel Insurance, title holders 3SC, and league champions Enyimba. The draw for the men’s and women’s Federation Cup will take place at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) secretariat, with representatives of various clubs in attendance, according to a statement released by the Federation.
In the men’s division, the field has been reduced to 64 teams after last week’s play-off matches that saw the elimination of several teams including Classic FC, Simon Ben Academy, PRO Line, Crusaders FC, KC FC, and Flight FC. Teams like Warinje FC, PCM FC, Ine Stars, Zamfara United Feeders, Fr. Eburuaja, and Gamji Eaglets emerged from these matches to secure spots in the draw ceremony. One notable absence is Heartland of Owerri, a multiple title-winning team, who were eliminated in the preliminary rounds. Imo State will now be represented by Ikukuoma FC and Fr. Eburuaja FC.
The men’s competition will kick off with Round of 64 matches, followed by the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. In the women’s division with 31 entries, the competition will start with Round of 32 games and progress through the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.
Several top clubs will be competing for the men’s title including Enyimba FC, Abia Warriors, Akwa United, FC One Rocket, Solution FC, Edel FC, Wikki Tourists, Warinje FC, and others. Also in contention are Bayelsa United, Lobi Stars, El-Kanemi Warriors, Rovers FC, May Frank FC, Warri Wolves, Delta Marine FC, Cynosure FC, PCM FC, Bendel Insurance, Ine Stars, and many more.
On the women’s side, teams like Abia Angels, Ahudiya Nnem Queens, Bayelsa Queens, GoldenSun Sports Club, Honey Badgers, Delta Queens, Edo Queens, Fortress Ladies, Ekiti Queens, Bright Future FC, Greenfoot FC, Naija Ratels, and others will be vying for the title.
The draw ceremony is expected to be an exciting event as clubs across the country eagerly anticipate learning their opponents in the prestigious Federation Cup tournament. The competition promises to showcase the best of Nigerian football talent and provide a platform for clubs to compete at the national level.
