Kwara United clinch first-ever President Federation Cup title after penalty win over gutsy Abakaliki FC

Kwara United Football Club on Saturday etched their name into the annals of Nigerian football history, lifting the coveted President Federation Cup for the first time ever after edging out a spirited Abakaliki FC side in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

After a fiercely contested regulation time that ended goalless, Kwara United held their nerve to win the shootout that ended 4-3 and claim the oldest and most prestigious football trophy in the country—an achievement that also marks the club’s most significant silverware since Kwara State was created in 1967.

Though favourites on paper, the Ilorin-based club were made to sweat for their victory by a tenacious and tactically disciplined Abakaliki FC side, whose fairy-tale run to the final has been one of the standout stories of Nigerian football in 2025.

A Remarkable Underdog Story

Founded less than a year ago, Abakaliki FC, a relatively unknown side playing in Nigeria’s third-tier Nationwide League One (NLO), defied all odds to reach the final of the President Federation Cup—dispatching multiple higher-league opponents along the way.

The Ebonyi State-based team, under the tutelage of decorated coach and former international, Ifeanyi Onyedika, MON, stunned the nation with their combination of grit, discipline, and tactical maturity.

Their dream run culminated in Saturday’s valiant performance, where they stood toe-to-toe with top-flight opponents Kwara United for 90 minutes, neutralizing their attacking threats and forcing the game into penalties.

A Tough Contest

“It was a very tough game, just as we expected,” said Abakaliki FC’s coach, Ifeanyi Onyedika, after the match.

“We knew they had more experience and resources, but we matched them in every department.

“It went into penalties, and that’s always a 50-50 situation. But I’m proud of my boys. They gave everything.”

Onyedika, who earned national honours during his playing days, praised the resilience and character of his youthful squad, most of whom had never played in a stadium as grand as the Mobolaji Johnson Arena before Saturday.

Kwara United Show Championship Character

Kwara United coach, Tunde Sani, commended his players for staying focused and not underestimating their opponents despite the gulf in pedigree.

“Abakaliki gave us a real fight.

“They man-marked us, frustrated our passing rhythm, and made sure we didn’t settle into our usual game,” said Sani.

“But we prepared for this kind of match. We knew it could go down to the wire, and I’m proud of how my players held on mentally and physically.”

He added, “We wanted this trophy not just for ourselves but for the people of Kwara. It’s been a long time coming.”

A Milestone Victory for Kwara

The win represents the culmination of years of investment and restructuring by Kwara United, one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, who have consistently competed in the top tiers of Nigerian football but had never clinched the Federation Cup until now.

Their journey to the final included decisive wins over fellow NPFL sides and a display of maturity and depth in their squad.

Saturday’s victory not only brings long-awaited glory to Ilorin but also sets a new benchmark for the club’s ambition both domestically and on the continental stage.

Looking Ahead

While Kwara United will now set their sights on representing Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup, Abakaliki FC leave the tournament with heads held high—having won the admiration of fans across the country and possibly rewritten the future of lower-league football in Nigeria.

From a little-known side relegated to the NLO to national finalists, their Cinderella run is a reminder of the magic of cup football and the boundless possibilities it presents.

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