Julius OkorieNigerian National League side Abakaliki FC are enjoying all the accolades after they shocked Ikorodu City on Wednesday to book a place in the finals of this year’s Federation Cup.
The boys from the Salt and Rice City held their ground in the semi-final played at the Bwari Township Stadium as the game ended goalless leading to penalty shoot-out.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Ebonyi Landlords then triumphed in the penalties, running away with a 5-4 victory. The victory is a continuation of their fairytale journey all the way to the final
The Salt City club had stunned top-flight opposition at every stage of the tournament, defeating Katsina United on penalties in the round of 32, before dispatching nine-time NPFL champions Enyimba 2-0 in the Round of 16. This was followed by a 5-4 defeat of Nasarawa United on penalties after their quarter-finals clash ended in a 1-1 draw.
Their semi-final victory over Ikorodu City has now set up a historic final against Kwara United, another maiden appearance for both clubs in Nigeria’s oldest football competition.
Chairman of the NNL, George Aluo, praised the Ebonyi-based side for their consistency and quality throughout the tournament.
“Abakaliki FC’s run is a clear statement that the NNL is producing quality football,” Aluo said.
“They’ve beaten some of the best teams in the country and deserve to be in the final. This is not a fluke.”
The NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye also echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the Federation Cup’s tradition of surprises and competitiveness.
“This is the beauty of the Federation Cup,” Elegbeleye said.
“Abakaliki FC played with great discipline and composure. Their journey reminds us that football development in Nigeria must include strong support for the NNL.”
The penalty shootout saw Ikorodu City’s Tosin Oyedokun, Ayomide Cole, Rivio Ayemwenre, and Austin Harrison all convert, but misses from Kelechi Onwe and Marvelous Freedom proved costly.
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On the part of Abakaliki, despite missing the first penalty taken by Linus Christopher, the quartet of Elochukwu Paschal, Jude Aleke, Emeka Ugwu, and Promise Uche held firm, their side ultimately prevailed.
In the second semi-final, played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Kwara United defeated six-time champions Rangers 1-0 thanks to a 50th-minute strike from Wasiu Alalade.The win sealed the Ilorin-based club’s first-ever Federation Cup final appearance.
Although both finalists are debutants in the finals of the FA Cup, Kwara United with their wealth of experience in the Premier league have an edge on paper.
The Ilorin side otherwise called Afonja Warriors will need to dig deep if they are to overcome a determined and hard fighting Abakaliki side that has so far lived up to the usual upset and surprises associated with the FA Cup.
The winner of the 2025 President Federation Cup will also earn a coveted ticket to represent Nigeria in the 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup.
Recall that El-Kanemi Warriors won last year’s edition after defeating Abia Warriors 2-0.
The final of the 2025 federation cup is billed for June 28.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
