)
Experienced Lobi Stars have previously won the Federation Cup in 2003, and had gotten to the finals in 2005, 2012 and 2015.
Cup heavyweights Lobi Stars have been dumped out of the 2023 Federation Cup following their 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to Warri Wolves on Sunday.
The 2003 Nigerian cup champions had been the favoured side to proceed to the semifinal based on their experience in the competition which includes featuring in four finals in the last 20 years.
)
16:12 - 28.05.2023
Federation Cup: Bendel Insurance knockout Sunshine Stars, edge closer to ending 43-year drought
Bendel Insurance are three-time champions of Nigeria's Federation Cup, with their championships coming in 1972, 1978 and 1980.
However, a surprise dominance by Nigeria National League (NNL) side Warri Wolves, would see Lobi Stars bid the competition farewell on Sunday.
Lobi Stars fightback not enough
Wolves had started Sunday's fiesta at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, the better side, as 19-year-old Jabbar Malik gave them a first-half lead.
However, the NPFL side got themselves back into the game barely 12 minutes into the second half, thanks to a Joseph Atule finish off Kumaga Suur's assist.
With 18 minutes left on the clock, Christian Izuchukwu then scored a second goal for the Delta side, giving them the lead yet again, and eventually the win.
)
23:19 - 26.05.2023
Federation Cup: Defending champions Bayelsa Queens edge Edo Queens to enter Women's final
The Nigerian giants would be hoping to get a consecutive cup title having won the last edition of the women's cup in 2021.
Warri Wolves to face another NPFL side in the semifinal
The second-division side had gone into the game on the back of victories over Beyond Limits FA (in the Round of 64), Shooting Stars (in the Round of 32) and Gombe United (in the Round of 16).
They would face high-flying NPFL side Bendel Insurance in the semifinal of the competition. Should they achieve success, it would be the fourth top-division side they would have knocked out of the competition this season.
Sunday's losers Lobi Stars on their part, had defeated Akwa Ibom's FC One Rockets on penalties (in the Round of 64), Ebonyi State's Cynosure (Round of 32) and Edo State's Bendel Insurance Feeders (in the Round of 16) and to make it to the quarterfinals.
Related content
)
18:19 - 29.05.2023
Confirmed fixtures, venues, dates for Nigeria's 2023 Federation Cup semifinals
The 2023 edition will feature three former champions and the runners-up of the 2013 Federation Cup.
)
13:22 - 25.05.2023
Federation Cup: Lobi Stars edge Bendel Insurance Feeders, complete quarterfinalists
Following torrential rainfall in Owerri on Wednesday, Lobi Stars' round of 16 encounter with Bendel Insurance Feeders, was halted after just 36 minutes.
16:12 - 28.05.2023
Federation Cup: Bendel Insurance knockout Sunshine Stars, edge closer to ending 43-year drought
Bendel Insurance are three-time champions of Nigeria's Federation Cup, with their championships coming in 1972, 1978 and 1980.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)