Nigeria National League, NNL, Chairman, Mr George Aluo, has urged NNL clubs to push for quarter-final qualification in the 2026 President Federation Cup.

Four teams from the NNL have qualified for the Round of 16 of the competition.

They are Sokoto United, Adamawa United, Kada Warriors and Basira FC.

Sokoto United will face Adamawa United at the Abuja Area 3 Stadium, while Plateau United will take on Basira FC at the Abuja Goal Project.

The match between Kada Warriors and Wikki Tourists will hold at the Abuja Area 3 Stadium.

All the matches are scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Aluo urged the teams to give a good account of themselves, citing the strong record of second-tier teams in recent editions.

“It’s a thing of joy that, like the last three seasons, four NNL sides are in the Round of 16 of this year’s President Federation Cup, which is an indication of the quality of the second-tier league,” Aluo was quoted as saying by Newstap.

“And as they go into the matches on Saturday, I urge them to put in their best and maintain the momentum.”

DAILY POST recalls that NNL side Abakaliki FC reached the final of the competition last year.

Rivers United FC have confirmed that members of the club’s contingent were involved in a road traffic accident while traveling to Awka, Anambra State, for their President Federation Cup Round of 16 clash against Nasarawa United.

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Sports247 reports that according to a statement released by the club on Thursday, the incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt shortly after the team departed from its camp en route to the crucial cup fixture.

While the accident caused understandable concern among supporters and stakeholders, the club confirmed that there were no fatalities or life-threatening injuries. Some players and officials sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

The club stated that all affected individuals are in stable condition and are being closely monitored by the team’s medical personnel.

In its official communication, Rivers United emphasized that the safety, health, and welfare of players and officials remain the club’s highest priority. Management is continuing to assess the situation while ensuring that everyone involved receives the necessary care and support.

The incident comes as Rivers United prepare for an important Federation Cup encounter, with the club now expected to review its travel and match arrangements in light of the accident.

The club also expressed gratitude to supporters, partners, and members of the football community for their prayers, concern, and messages of support following news of the incident.

Further information regarding the team’s travel plans and the status of the Round of 16 fixture against Nasarawa United is expected to be communicated by the club in due course.

The development serves as a reminder of the challenges often faced by football teams traveling across the country for domestic competitions. Fortunately, the absence of serious injuries means the focus can now shift toward the recovery of those affected and preparations for upcoming fixtures.

For now, the Rivers United family will be relieved that what could have been a far more tragic incident ended without loss of life, with players and officials expected to recover fully from the minor injuries sustained.

The thoughts of the Nigerian football community remain with Rivers United as the club navigates this difficult moment and looks ahead to its Federation Cup campaign.