The Nigeria Football Federation has released the fixtures for the playoff stage of this year’s President Federation Cup, officially setting the competition in motion.

The matches will begin on Wednesday, May 6, at different centres across the country after the completion of the State FA Cup competitions that produced winners and runners-up.

According to a statement signed by the NFF Director of Competitions, Ruth David, the men’s and women’s matches will be played at the same time in various venues nationwide.

One of the biggest matches in the men’s category will see Lagos club G12 FC face Dokkal Khairu FC of Osun State at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

Ondo champions Sunshine Stars U19 will also battle Harmony FC of Ekiti in Osogbo.

Other fixtures will see Westgate FC of Edo take on Amanda FC of Anambra in Enugu, while Zamfara United Feeders face Kanta Warriors of Kebbi in Sokoto.

Adamawa Academy are scheduled to play against Elkanemi Junior from Borno in Bauchi, while Sporting Supreme U19 from Abuja will travel to Lafia to face Reigners FC of Kogi State.

In the women’s category, NAF Queens FC from Abuja will meet Model Queen FC of Kwara, while Kada Queens of Kaduna face Mighty Jets Mata FC from Plateau State.

Bayelsa Princesses FC will go up against Ikukuoma Queens FC of Imo, while Zorha Queens FC of Enugu are set to battle Esthington FC of Ebonyi.

The playoff stage will decide the teams that qualify for the main competition of Nigeria’s oldest domestic football tournament.

R Ashwin believes the entire vaping incident involving Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag could have easily been avoided. The 24-year-old was caught by the cameras vaping in the dressing room during the team’s IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 28.

He empathized with Parag and remarked that he would not want a youngster to go through a situation like this. However, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star opined that the players should not engage in such activities in public spaces.

Ashwin commented in his latest YouTube video:

“I think this is a situation that could have been avoided. I don’t want the players to get trapped in such things. I don’t really want that for a young player. And this is a bit sensitive as well. I think, in all quadrants, if we look at many things, this could have been avoided. Sometimes it is a personal choice, but your personal choice should be in your personal space. If you do all this in a public space, that can very well be avoided.”

The video of Parag vaping in the dressing room went viral. Apart from criticism from fans, the all-rounder was also fined 25 percent of his match fees and handed one demerit point by the BCCI.

“There is a responsibility” – R Ashwin’s advice to Riyan Parag amid vaping controversy

R Ashwin mentioned that Riyan Parag should have been more responsible as the captain of an IPL team. He added that the Guwahati-born cricketer should keep in mind that he is an inspiration to many young cricketers.

The legendary spinner said in the same video:

“As an elder brother, I just want to tell Riyan Parag that whatever happens in your personal life, nobody has any concern over it. No one can say anything about it. But whatever you want to do, do it in your personal space because you are a captain, the leader of a franchise, and probably an inspiration for many cricketers and young people around the world.

“So, there is a responsibility. I have my deepest empathy and sympathy for the young kid, but at the same time, I totally believe all these things should and can be avoided.”

Parag has struggled for form in IPL 2026. The talented batter has scored just 117 runs across nine games at a strike rate of 124.46.