Warri Wolves have secured a direct place in the Round of 16 of the 2025 President Federation Cup after the Nigeria Football Federation NFF disqualified Shooting Stars FC from the competition.
The NFF, in an official statement released on Saturday, confirmed that Shooting Stars were disqualified for fielding ineligible players in their Round of 64 clash against Zamfara FC. Despite this, Zamfara FC were not reinstated, allowing Warri Wolves to progress without contesting their scheduled Round of 32 fixture.
Meanwhile, the NFF also announced fixtures and venues for the remaining Round of 32 matches, which will be played on April 2 and 3, 2025, across different locations in Nigeria.
Among the standout clashes is the heavyweight duel between defending champions El-Kanemi Warriors and Enyimba International FC at Bwari Stadium in Abuja. Football fans can also look forward to a fiery Oriental Derby, where last year’s finalists Heartland FC will battle Enugu Rangers in Awka. Plateau United and Sunshine Stars will face off in another thrilling all-NPFL encounter, while Ikorodu City FC takes on Crown FC in a South West derby at Ijebu Ode.
The NFF’s fixture release sets the stage for exciting football action as teams vie for places in the prestigious competition’s Round of 16.
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Editorial
We applaud the NFF for taking a firm stand in enforcing the rules of the President Federation Cup. The disqualification of Shooting Stars for fielding ineligible players sends a strong message: regulations must be respected, and fairness will prevail. It’s unfortunate for fans of the disqualified club, but this action upholds the integrity of the tournament.
Warri Wolves may have progressed without playing, but they should view this as a unique advantage and prepare thoroughly for the challenges ahead. The next stages will not be gifted; they will be earned on the pitch. This unexpected break should only fuel their determination to prove they deserve to be there.
The upcoming fixtures promise top-level football, and we are particularly excited about the clash between El-Kanemi Warriors and Enyimba two giants meeting far too early in the competition. The Oriental Derby between Heartland and Rangers is another fixture bound to deliver drama and passion.
We urge all teams to approach these matches with professionalism and focus. For the clubs, this is more than just silverware; it’s an opportunity to make history. For fans, it’s a reminder of why Nigerian football continues to excite and inspire.
Did You Know?
- Warri Wolves were runners up in the 2014 Federation Cup, losing to Enyimba in the final.
- The President Federation Cup is Nigeria’s oldest football competition, dating back to 1945.
- El-Kanemi Warriors are the current defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2023.
- Heartland FC has won the competition five times, making it one of the most successful clubs in its history.
- The South West derby between Ikorodu City and Crown FC will be their first-ever meeting in the Federation Cup.
