Plateau United have secured their place in the last eight of the 2025 President Federation Cup following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Osun United in a feisty Round of 16 encounter.
The “Peace Boys” stepped onto the pitch with purpose, dictating the early tempo against their South West opponents. Despite Osun United’s aggressive, physical approach, Plateau United carved out the first real chance of the match in the 8th minute, only for Vincent Temitope—playing with bandages around his neck—to miss a glaring opportunity.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 31st minute. After a spell of intricate play in the final third, Sabbath Mancha delivered a precise cutback for Sam Pam, who calmly slotted home to give Plateau the lead.
Osun United responded with intensity and were rewarded just before halftime. Ganiyu Gberefun rose highest in the box to head past Emeka Nwabulu, restoring parity and setting up a tense second half.
Both sides returned from the break with renewed urgency. Kalu Samuel’s thunderous strike nearly found the net, while David Onovo came close with a header off a Daniel Itodo delivery. However, Plateau’s persistence paid off late in the game. Temitope made amends for his earlier miss by delivering a pinpoint cross into the box, where Daniel Itodo met it with a towering header to seal a 2-1 win.
The result sends Plateau United into a thrilling quarterfinal clash against Rangers International, who edged Bendel Insurance 1-0.
Elsewhere in the President Federation Cup:
- Kwara United 3-0 Solution FC: The Harmony Boys cruised into the last eight thanks to goals from Junior Aimufua, Kabir Mohammed, and Ismaila Gatta. The emphatic win comes as a welcome boost amid recent NPFL challenges.
- Abakaliki FC 2-0 Enyimba FC: In the upset of the round, the “De Rice Boys” stunned Enyimba in Asaba, ending the People’s Elephant’s continental football hopes for next season.
- Nasarawa United 1-1 Bayelsa United (5-3 on pens): The Solid Miners held their nerve in the shootout to book their place in the quarters.
- Other Results:
- Warri Wolves 1-1 Wikki Tourists (PK: 3-4)
- Ikorodu City 2-0 Beyond Limits
- Akwa United 1-0 Inter Lagos
- Rangers Int’l 1-0 Bendel Insurance
Quarterfinal Pairings:
- Abakaliki FC vs Nasarawa United
- Wikki Tourists vs Ikorodu City
- Akwa United vs Kwara United
- Plateau United vs Rangers International
As the road to Federation Cup glory narrows, excitement builds across the country. Who will rise, and who will fall? Quarterfinals promise more fireworks.
