Nigeria National League side Abakaliki FC are through to the 2025 President Federation Cup final, following a 5-4 win on penalties ovre Nigeria Premier Football League side Ikorodu City in Abuja on Wednesday.
The semi-final clash at the Bwari Township Stadium ended goalless after regulation time, but it was Abakaliki who held their nerve from the spot, confirming yet another major upset in their fairytale journey through the competition.
Abakaliki FC have 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.
They then edged Nasarawa United 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the quarter-finals. Their semi-final victory over Ikorodu City has now set up a historic final against Kwara United.
Chairman of the NNL, George Aluo, praised the Ebonyi-based side for their consistency and quality throughout the tournament. The NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye also echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the Federation Cup’s tradition of surprises and competitiveness.
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.
Abakaliki’s Elochukwu Paschal, Jude Aleke, Emeka Ugwu, and Promise Uche held firm, and though Linus Christopher was the first to miss, 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.
Abakaliki and Kwara United will now clash for the 2025 President Federation Cup crown in a final that guarantees a new champion.