Kwara United and Abakaliki fc shock Rangers and Ikorodu City out of President Federations Cup

for a chance at continental football next season

This year’s Federation Cup will crown a brand-new champion for the first time ever, as Abakaliki FC and Kwara United have both secured their spots in the final, eliminating more established teams along the way.

This unprecedented outcome marks a significant milestone in the history of the competition.

This is especially for Abakaliki FC, a club that competes in Nigeria’s second-tier league, the Nigeria National League (NNL).

Abakaliki FC continued their remarkable run in the tournament by defeating Ikorodu City in a dramatic semifinal clash.

The match ended in a goalless draw after regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout that Abakaliki FC ultimately won 5-4.

Their journey to the final has been nothing short of historic, as they previously eliminated top-tier teams such as Enyimba and Katsina United.

These victories underscored their ability to compete with and overcome Nigeria’s football powerhouses, earning them the nickname of “giant killers” during this year’s Federation Cup.

On the other side of the draw, Kwara United secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Enugu Rangers in the other semifinal match played today.

The game was closely contested, but it was former Flying Eagles forward Wasiu Alalade who emerged as the hero for Kwara United, scoring the decisive goal that sent his team through to the final.

His contribution proved crucial in overcoming Enugu Rangers, one of the most storied clubs in Nigerian football history.

Both clubs’ paths to the final reflect resilience, determination, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Abakaliki FC’s rise from a second-tier league team to potential national cup champions is a story that has captured the imagination of football fans across the country.

Giant killers, Abakaliki Fc to face-off with Kwara United in President Federation Cup final

Their penalty shootout victory over Ikorodu City was a testament to their mental strength and preparedness, as they kept their composure to come out on top after a tense goalless draw.

Meanwhile, Kwara United’s route to the final has been defined by tactical discipline and key individual performances.

Their semifinal triumph over Enugu Rangers was a demonstration of effective game management.

Also, the clinical finishing of Wasiu Alalade, whose past experience with Nigeria’s youth national team added a layer of composure and quality to the team’s attack.

As the final approaches, anticipation is high for what promises to be a thrilling showdown between two teams who have defied expectations throughout the tournament.

Rangers headed into the match following a narrow 1–0 win over Plateau United in the quarter-finals, while Kwara United saw off Akwa United to progress.

They were aiming to reach the Federation Cup final for the second time in three years, chasing its first title since the famous “Asaba Miracle” in 2018.

In that edition, they came back from a 3-0 deficit against Kano Pillars to win on penalties.

Rangers are previous winners of the 1974, 1975, 1976, 1981, and 1983 editions of the Federation Cup.

The fact that a new name will be etched on the Federation Cup trophy ensures a fresh chapter in Nigerian football history.

Whether it is the underdog story of Abakaliki FC or the revitalized campaign of Kwara United, the final is set to celebrate:

• the spirit of competition,
• the unpredictability of football, and,
• the emergence of new heroes on the national stage.

In sum, Abakaliki FC’s fairytale run and Kwara United’s solid campaign have combined to set up a unique and eagerly awaited Federation Cup final.

Fans and neutrals alike can look forward to witnessing history being made when these two sides face off for the ultimate prize.

The President’s Cup, Nigeria’s oldest club football competition.

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