Fed Cup: Remo Stars, Sporting Lagos, Heartland suffer shock exits

Three Nigeria Premier League Football teams, Remo Stars, Sporting Lagos, Heartland FC Owerri have suffered early eliminations in their respective state Football Association (FA) Cup competitions.

Nigerian National League side, Beyond Limit actually went beyond its limits by defeating their senior side, Remo Stars on 5-4 on penalties after the regulation time ended 1-1.They will play in the Ogun State FA Cup final this weekend against Stormers SC, a side that they’ve already defeated 5-0 in the NNL this season.

In Lagos, NPFL debutants Sporting Lagos fell to a 2-0 loss to Inter Lagos who will battle Ikorodu FC in the finals at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan on Sunday.

Ikorodu City had defeated First Bank 3-0 to make it to the Lagos state FA Cup final again.

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Elsewhere, relegation-threatened Heartland FC were shown the exit door after they lost to third-division side Ikukuoma FC 2-3 on Penalties in the Imo state FA Cup.

In Niger State, Tornadoes are through to the final of 2024 Niger State FA Cup after edging Maikunkele United in the semi-final at d Bako Kontagora Stadium Minna just as  Bendel Insurance defeated Metrice FC 2-1 as they set to defend the Edo FA Cup against Ine Stars on Sunday at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.

At the Pantami Stadium, Gombe United will meet Doma United in the FA Cup Final on Saturday. It will be recalled that the ‘Savannah Tigers’ beat the ‘Savannah Scorpions’ on penalties last year.

In Benue, NationWide League One side, Flight FC of Gboko, will punch above their weight when they take on NPFL giants, Lobi Stars of Makurdi in the final slated for Saturday at the famous JS Tarka Stadium in Gboko.

Chairman of Flight FC, Solomon Andiir, is optimistic despite their underdog’s status in the contest.

“We are going to give our big brothers a good fight in the final. It will be an interesting duel because even as Lobi Stars are the favourite, we are ready to cause a major upset,” said Andiir who is also a football coach.

Meanwhile, Enyimba’s fixture against Miracle FC of Umunneochi in the semi-finals of the Abia FA Cup has been put on hold following what was described as exigencies on the part of the Abia State Football Association.