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Bayelsa United went into the competition as defending champions, having won the last edition in 2021, and the 2022 edition, cancelled after the quarterfinals.
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Bayelsa United have been knocked out of the 2023 Federation Cup following a defeat to Nigeria National League side Essien Ayi.
Both sides had progressed to the national tournament following the completion of the State FA Cups which produced 72 state representatives: either as champions or runners-up.
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16:43 - 26.04.2023
Federation Cup: 3-time champions Heartland through to Round of 32
Heartland are three-time champions of Nigeria's Cup, winning the 1988 (as Iwuanyanwu Nationale), 2011 and 2012 editions.
Third division side Essien Ayi through to Round of 32
Bayelsa United went into the competition on Wednesday as defending champions of the Nigerian cup, having won the last edition in 2021, and the 2022 edition, cancelled after the quarterfinals.
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The fixture played at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba was more of a David vs Goliath tie as it pitted a club playing in the top division - the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) against a side from the third division.
However, the fixture was no piece of cake for Bayelsa United who found difficulty overpowering their opponent in regular time, with the tie headed for penalties after full-time following a 1-1 score.
The Cross River club then stunned Bayelsa United in spot kicks, scoring all five of their penalties to three for the NPFL side.
Wednesday's result now sees Essien Ayi progress to the Round of 32 scheduled to hold on Wednesday, May 3.
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18:23 - 26.04.2023
Federation Cup: Ikorodu City sail into round of 32, Shooting Stars survive
Lagos-based Ikorodu City and Shooting Stars scored a combined seven goals to navigate the round of 64 with ease.
Lobi Stars survive scare in Awka
Meanwhile, at Awka, NPFL side Lobi Stars survived a scare to knockout NNL side FC One Rocket, 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 score after normal regulation time.
The NPFL side gained an early first-half lead following an own goal by the Akwa Ibom club but began to trail in the 70th minute after two goals in the space of 15 minutes.
Lobi Stars then clawed their way back into the game following a late equalizer by Joseph Atule, forcing the tie into the lottery of penalties before nicking it with their fifth kick.
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