Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State will serve as the special guest of honour at the 2025 President Federation Cup grand finale, scheduled for Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
The double-header event will see Rivers Angels defending their title against Nasarawa Amazons in the women’s final, followed by a compelling men’s final between Kwara United and the surprise package of the tournament, Abakaliki FC.
The final promises to be a colourful spectacle at the Lagos waterfront. Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has also confirmed attendance, with the governors of Nasarawa, Ebonyi and Rivers States expected to be present or represented by high-powered delegations.
For Abakaliki FC, this marks a historic moment. It is the first time a club from Ebonyi State — created in 1996 — has reached the final of Nigeria’s national cup competition. Kwara United’s appearance is equally significant, as it ends a 49-year wait for a club from Kwara to reach the final. The last was in 1976 when Alyufsalam Rocks of Ilorin lost 2-0 to Rangers International in what was then the Challenge Cup.
Abakaliki FC’s giant-killing run has caught national attention. The team, bankrolled by Senator Joseph Obinna Ogba, eliminated Yobe Desert Stars in the Round of 64, Katsina United on penalties in the Round of 32, and stunned two-time African champions Enyimba FC 2-0 in the Round of 16. They edged past Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City, both on penalties, in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.
Kwara United, nicknamed the Afonja Warriors, are not new to Ebonyi opposition — they knocked out Cynosure FC earlier in the tournament. But their coaching crew, led by Tunde Sanni, knows not to underestimate Abakaliki FC’s hunger.
Their progress has been keenly followed across Kwara, with support pouring in from Governor Abdulrazaq and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who offered words of encouragement to the players before they departed for Lagos.
“I was once an official of Shooting Stars and the Nigeria Football Federation. I know what is at stake in a crucial match like this. Prepare well, remain focused and stay united. We will continue to pray for your success,” the Emir told the team.
All eyes will now be on the Mobolaji Johnson Arena as history beckons for both clubs.
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