By National Panel Sports Desk
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has released the fixtures for the Round of 64 of the 2026 Federation Cup, with Ebonyi State's Abakaliki FC drawn against ABU FC of Kaduna State in one of the ties scheduled for the knockout stage of the competition.
According to a circular issued by the NFF Competitions Department and signed by the Director of Competitions, Ruth David, the encounter between Abakaliki FC and ABU FC will take place in Makurdi, Benue State, on May 21, 2026, with kick-off fixed for 4:00 p.m.
The fixture is among the 32 matches lined up for the men's category of Nigeria's oldest domestic football competition, which is expected to feature clubs from across the country battling for a place in the next round.
Abakaliki FC will be hoping to make a strong statement in the competition as they seek to advance beyond the Round of 64 and improve on their previous performances in national tournaments.
Other notable fixtures released by the federation include El-Kanemi Warriors against Krusaders FC in Makurdi, Nasarawa United versus Westgate FC in Anyigba, Kogi State, and Kogi United against Lobi Stars in Abuja.
Kwara United will face Sporting Supreme FC U-19 in Anyigba, while Sokoto United are billed to take on Mojoda FC in Lafia. Katsina United will battle Sapele Lions FC in Abuja, and Adamawa United are scheduled to meet Agbana Wonderful Academy in Jos.
The NFF stated that all participating teams have been duly paired and assigned venues, dates and kick-off times for the fixtures, urging state Football Associations to notify their clubs accordingly.
The federation also directed host Football Associations to make the necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the matches.
The Federation Cup remains one of the most prestigious football competitions in the country, providing clubs from different divisions the opportunity to compete for national honours and qualification for continental tournaments.
