Kwara United and Abakaliki FC will battle for glory in the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup, with both sides eyeing their first-ever triumph in Nigeria’s oldest football competition.
Abakaliki FC, the surprise package of the tournament from the Nigeria National League (NNL), booked their place in the final after edging Ikorodu City FC 5-4 on penalties in Bwari, Abuja. The tightly contested semi-final had ended goalless in regulation time.
The Rice Boys’ road to the final has been nothing short of sensational. They began their campaign with a win over Yobe Desert Stars in the Round of 64, before pulling off major upsets against Katsina United, Enyimba FC, and Nasarawa United in successive rounds. Their stunning run has made them the first team from Ebonyi State to reach the final of the competition.
In the other semi-final, Kwara United defeated five-time champions Rangers International 1-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Wasiu Alalade netted the decisive goal three minutes after the restart, while goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso delivered a heroic performance, making several key saves to keep the Flying Antelopes at bay.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Women’s Federation Cup semi-finals will take center stage on Saturday, May 24, with two high-stakes clashes in Aba and Ayingba as four of Nigeria’s top women’s football clubs vie for a spot in the grand finale.
In Aba, record champions Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt will take on Ibom Angels in a fiery South-South showdown expected to deliver top-quality football and fierce rivalry.
In Ayingba, Edo Queens will battle Nasarawa Amazons in a matchup between two experienced sides known for their tactical discipline and competitive edge.
Both semi-final encounters are scheduled to kick off at 1:00 p.m., with fans eagerly anticipating who will emerge to contest the prestigious Federation Cup final.
