When action resumes in the 2025 President’s Federation Cup on June 3, four clubs- Kwara United, Nasarawa United, Ikorodu City and giant killers Abakaliki FC- will be aiming to win their quarter-final matches for semi-final berths. The clubs are striving to win the prestigious Cup for the first time in their history.
However, they must first surmount the hurdles in form of the former winners of the oldest club competition in Nigeria who are seeking to increase their titles.
Daily Trust, therefore, takes a look at the four interesting quarter-final matches highlighting the teams’ history in the competition and their chances of progressing to the semi-finals.
Abakaliki FC vs Nasarawa United (Benin City)
The is a clash of two clubs that are yet to taste victory in the competition but Nasarawa United are going into the duel as a two-time losing finalist.
Nasarawa United reached the final of the Federation Cup in 2016 and 2021 before losing on each occasion to IfeanyiUbah and Bayelsa United respectively.
However, Abakaliki FC in their first appearance have now shown any nerves after taking down formidable opponents like Katsina United and Enyimba FC in the Round of 16. Such a performance should worry Nasarawa United.
Still, the odds favour the ‘solid miners’ who may deploy their experience in the Cup and the league to progress.
Wikki Tourists vs Ikorodu City (Bwari, Abuja)
This is no doubt an interesting fixture pitching a former champion against newcomers who have demonstrated capacity to win the Cup at the first time of asking.
Although the odds are heavily in favour of Ikorodu City, Wikki Tourists as winners of the Cup in 1998 when they edged out neighbours Plateau United 3-2 on penalties can’t be taken for granted.
Moreover, the Tourists are presently leading the Nigeria National League (NNL) Group C table with 17 points and can draw inspiration from that to confront Ikorodu City.
However, even as history and experience favour the Abdul Maikaba led side, on current form, Ikorodu City boys who have demonstrated ability to compete at the highest level are highly favoured to reach the semis.
Akwa United vs Kwara United (Enugu)
Despite their struggles in the ongoing NPFL season, Akwa United boast of two Federation Cup titles in 2015 and 2017.
This is no doubt an impressive record compared to Kwara United who are yet to reach the final of the competition.
In addition, Akwa United have done the double over Kwara United in the current NPFL season. The ‘Promise keepers’ won the first leg 2-1 in Uyo and stunned their opponents 2-0 in the return leg in Ilorin.
But considering the fact that both teams have underperformed in the 2025 NPFL season, the pendulum of victory can easily swing to either side.
Rangers vs Plateau United (Area 3, Abuja)
This is a contest between the third most successful team in the competition and a former winner of the Cup. Rangers have won six titles. They won three titles consecutively from 1974 to 1976. The ‘Flying Antelopes’ then won three more in 1981, 1983 and 2018 when they rallied back from 0-3 to draw 3-3 with Kano Pillars before clinching their sixth title 4-3 on penalties.
Meanwhile, Plateau United have also enjoyed success on one occasion- the 1-0 victory over defunct Iwuanyanwu Nationale Owerri in the 1999 final.
Before then, United had lost twice in the final, in 1968 to Stationery Stores of Lagos and 1998 to Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.
Even as Enugu Rangers boast of an intimidating record in the competition, going by results between the two clubs in the ongoing NPFL season, Plateau United stand a good chance.
In their first round clash, Rangers forced Plateau United to a 0-0 draw in Jos while the return leg in Enugu ended 1-0 in favour of United.
However, this is another contest that is too close to be predicted.
