Three-time champions El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri and Ikorodu City of Lagos yesterday bulldozed their way to the men’s Final of this year’s President Federation Cup competition.
It was a hard fought victory for Ikorodu City at the
Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City as they managed to bundle out Nasarawa United 4-2 in penalty shootout after both teams had ended the ninety minutes of the match in a 1-1 stalemate before shootout ensued.
Ibrahim Ayola put Ikorodu City in front 11 minutes into the game. Bright Amadi got an equalizer for Nasarawa Utd in 41st minute with a header
It was the second time Nasarawa Utd is losing in this fashion. Five years ago, the Solid Miners and Bayelsa United battled to a 2-2 draw in that year’s Final, before the latter prevailed 5-4 on penalties against the ‘Solid Miners’.
In Katsina, it was an easy ride for the 1991, 1992 and 2024 champions El-Kanemi Warriors as they thrashed Wikki Tourists 3-1 to reach their second Final in two years.
Elkanemi Warriors got off to a flying start, with Bashir Musa opening the scoring to give the Warriors an early advantage. El-Kanemi Warriors continued to dominate proceedings and their efforts paid off again when Daddy Abdulrahman doubled the lead to make it 2-0.
El-Kanemi Warriors FC maintained their attacking momentum and added a third goal through Muktar Ismail, putting the game beyond the reach of their opponents, going into the half time break with El-Kanemi Warriors leading 3-0.
The second half resumed with El-Kanemi Warriors maintaining their impressive performance and creating several goal scoring opportunities. However, Wikki Tourists’ defence and goalkeeper produced a good number of crucial saves to prevent further damage.
In the 59th minute, Wikki Tourists were awarded a penalty, which was calmly converted by Imamu to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
The two finalists will be locking horns in the final match on Sunday,June 27 in Asaba,Delta state.
Meanwhile,the women’s competition enters the quarter-final stage on Thursday with two matches holding at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Sunshine Queens of Akure will be up against Confluence Queens of Lokoja in the first fixture, starting at 1pm, before the 4PM fixture involving Rivers Angels take and FC Robo Queens.
In Aba, Heartland Queens of Owerri will tango with Ibom Angels from Uyo, while Nasarawa Amazons will be at war with vastly-improved league champions Edo Queens in Anyigba,Login state.