Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) giants, Rivers United have been handed a bye into the quarter-finals of the Nigerian Federation Cup.
The Pride of Rivers will join the competition at the last-eight stage and are set to face the winner of the first-round clash between Star FC and Reign FC. The quarter-final is scheduled for Thursday, 16 April.
Opening-round fixtures begin on 10 April, with Tobinsnet FC taking on DeCardinal FC. Willbros FC will face Prime7 FC, while De-Future Stars FC meet Ereme Jackson FC on 13 April.
The semi-finals are billed for 20 and 21 April, while the men’s final will kick off at 3 p.m. on 25 April. Matches will be played at the Sharks Stadium and the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, Plateau United technical adviser Gbenga Ogunbote says his side missed the backing of their home supporters despite a convincing win over Ikorodu City.
The Peace Boys thrashed their opponents 4-1 in a matchday 33 fixture at the Lafia City Stadium on Monday. Plateau United have been forced to stage home games in Lafia because of security concerns in Jos.
Ogunbote admitted the atmosphere felt different without their usual supporters.
“We really missed the support of our twelfth man which is the supporters,” Ogunbote told Plateau United’s media.
“Nevertheless we enjoyed the support of the Lafia fans, but would have preferred to play this game in Jos.”
