BY GEORGE ALUO
THE nation’s most glamorous soccer tournament, the Federation Cup, continued to live up to her billing as a competition of surprises, as some of the big premier league sides fell yesterday in the round of 32.
Kano Pillars and Tornadoes could not survive the onslaught of their amateur opponents yesterday as they were bundled out of the competition. Pillars lost 1-2 to Prime of Oshogbo in a match decided in Lokoja, while Tornadoes met her waterloo in the hands of Crown of Ogbomosho at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin. The Crown , Tornadoes tie ended 1-1 only for Crown to carry the day via penalties.
FA Cup specialists, Lobi Stars were also bundled out by FC IfeanyiUbah in one of the star matches of the Round of 32. IfeanyiUbah managed a 1-0 victory. Sunshine Stars escaped by the whiskers after being held by Abia Comets to a 1-1 draw. The Akure side secured her victory on penalties winning by 4-2.
High riding Rivers United was ruthless as she moved into the next round in style beating Kaduna United 4-0. Nasarawa United on her part beat Go Round by a lone goal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, while 3SC overran Almar FC at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.
Action in the competition continues today with defending champion, Akwa United facing Kwara United in Makurdi, while MFM and Katsina United will do battle in Lokoja.