Federation Cup: 3SC to Battle Wikki Feeders in Round of 64

Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan (3SC) has been drawn against Wikki Tourist Feeders in the Federation Cup Round of 64 billed to be played across the nation on May 25-26.

Defending champions, Akwa United of Uyo are bye into the next round and will meet the winner of Kwara United and Galadima Best of Kano in the round of 32 billed for June 15-16.
Giwa FC of Jos will confront Abia Comets, while Kano Pillars are set to face Gateway of Abeokuta.

It will be a showdown between IfeanyiUbah FC of Nnewi and Ebonyi United. MFM will confront El Kanemi of Maiduguri while Flash Flamengoes of Gombe will be up against Nasarawa United.

In other fixtures, Akure City FC will play against Rangers International, while Sokoto United will test might against Crown FC Ogbomoso.
Sixty one teams were drawn from the pot at the low-keyed draw ceremony held yesterday in Abuja.

Their composition is made up of 18 Nigeria Premier Football League teams, 15 National League clubs, 18 teams from the Nationwide League One and 10 non league club sides.

The round of 16 will be played on July 6-7 while the quarter finals are billed for July 27-28. The semi finals will be played on August 17 while the final is fixed for August 28.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretary General, Mohammed Sanusi, said that the federation had asked states interested in hosting the quarter final and semi matches to indicate in writing.

He also quickly jumped in defence of the federation after concern was raised that by asking states to bid to host the quarter final and semi final matches will make room for lack of transparency.

The NFF scribe said that giving a state a quarter final slot, does not automatically translate that a team from that state will play at the home venue as all the four quarter finals venues will be announced in advance.

He also said that NFF will not reverse a decision on a venue if by coincidence a team is drawn to play its quarter final or semi final match at home, saying that NFF ‘s decision is guarded by international practice.

“The process is very transparent now and you can t change the position of the post in the middle of the match. We have to start from somewhere. The states and zones are interested in hosting the matches as we have to thrown it open. We will make the process open for everyone,” Sanusi said.