Nigeria National League (NNL) side Abakaliki FC have crashed out of the 2026 President Federation Cup after suffering a shock defeat to non-league outfit Esthington FC.
The Ebonyi-based club was eliminated during the Ebonyi State FA Cup preliminary round, where Esthington FC secured a dramatic 6–5 penalty shootout victory.
Both teams played out a goalless draw in regulation time at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, forcing the match into penalties where the underdogs held their nerve to advance.
The result marks an early exit for Abakaliki FC, who had an impressive run in the tournament last year. The NNL side reached the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup, but finished as runners-up after losing to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Kwara United in the championship match.
The unexpected defeat highlights the unpredictable nature of the President Federation Cup, where lower-division teams often challenge and upset higher-ranked sides.
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