Nigeria Premier Football League side, Bayelsa United became the first top side to exit the 2023 Federation Cup after suffering a shocking defeat to Nationwide League One side, Essien Ayi on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
After the full time of the encounter ended 1-1, the Calabar side won 5-3 on penalties to progress to the FA Cup round of 32 at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
The reigning champions had scored early in the second half, but the Calabar State FA Cup runners up equalled score in the 67th minute through Agara.
Hence, the intriguing encounter continued on a equilibrium note as the two sides pushed for the winner for the remaining 23 minutes.
However, it ended 1-1 as the NPFL side crash out at the first time of asking in this year's edition of the tournament and will not defend the title they won last year.
Uche Dozie