FEDERATION CUP
GTI congratulates 2025 President Federation Cup finalists
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup (PFC), GTI Asset Management and Trusted Limited have congratulated Abakaliki FC and Kwara United FC for qualifying for the final of the Men’s category of the 2025 edition of the President Federation Cup.
In a press statement made available to journalists in Lagos on Friday by GTI Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, he thumbed up both teams for their hard work, determination and resilience which they demonstrated in their journey to the national finals.
“This year’s competition is symbolic and historic because the last time a Kwara State-based side reached the final stage of this domestic competition was when Alyufsalam Rocks contested the 1976 final game of the then Challenge Cup but lost 2-0 to Enugu Rangers.
However, 49 years later, history is being made as Kwara United surmounted all odds by defeating 2023/2024 NPFL champions, Rangers of Enugu 1-0 in their semi-final tie in Lagos to book a ticket to the final.
“Aside those above, the victory of Abakaliki FC at the semi-final stage against a high-ranking NPFL side, Ikorodu City caught the attention of football stakeholders in the country because the cracker replicated the beauty of the PFC, where the so-called less-rated clubs become giant killers.
“Abakaliki FC dumped Yobe Desert Stars in the Round of 64, and also overcame Katsina United, Enyimba FC and Nasarawa United in subsequent rounds.
“They are now set to face Kwara United in the final,” Ekejiuba said. “We wish them great luck as they prepare for a titanic final clash.”
Given the progress made with the PFC, it provides a veritable platform for corporate brands to collaborate as partners for value exchange.
Such collaborations will further improve the quality of the PFC in order to deliver more benefits to all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the expectations are sky-high as the investment banking firm is working closely with the NFF and other stakeholders to present to Nigerian soccer fans an unforgettable football experience on the day of the final. Currently, El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri are the defending champions of the PFC, as they defeated Abia Warriors 2-0 to lift the coveted trophy in the Men’s category of 2024 edition and were rewarded with a cash prize of N50m.
The final match was played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
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A new champion will emerge as the semi-final matches of the President Federation Cup produced unlikely results as favourites, Enugu Rangers and Ikorodu City, crumbled.
In the aftermath, the final match will be contested by Kwara United and Abakaliki FC. It is the first time both teams will be playing the final match of the Nigerian national cup.
However, a team from Kwara, Alyufsalam Rocks, contested the 1976 final match of the then Challenge Cup but lost 2-0 to Enugu Rangers.
Abakaliki FC, an NNL side beat Ikorodu City on penalties, 5-4, after a goalless draw. For Ikorodu City, it is double jeopardy as they had wanted the cup as a route to the CAF Confederation Cup.
The dream of using the Nigeria Premier Football League as a platform for continental slot ended two weeks ago following a 4-1 loss to Remo Stars and a corresponding 2-1 win by fellow third-place contender, Abia Warriors, over El Kanemi.
Wasiu Alalade’s 50th-minute goal against Enugu Rangers sent Kwara United to the final of the President Federation Cup.
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FEDERATION CUP
President Federation Cup: Kwara United and Rangers battle in Lagos as Ikorodu City face Abakaliki FC in Abuja
The semi-final matches of this year’s President’s Federation Cup competition (men’s version) will take place on Wednesday in Lagos and Abuja, with former champions Enugu Rangers up against Kwara United of Ilorin, while emerging power, Ikorodu City, take on surprise packets, Abakaliki FC in Abuja.
The clash between NPFL teams Rangers and Kwara United will come up at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, while Ikorodu City and Abakaliki FC will sort things out at the Bwari Stadium in Abuja. Both games will kick off at 4 pm.
To get to this stage, Rangers eliminated former champions Kano Pillars in the Round of 64, as well as Heartland FC, Bendel Insurance and Plateau United in subsequent rounds. On their part, Kwara United sent packing Cynosure from Ebonyi State in the Round of 64, and then got the better of Gombe United, Solution FC and Akwa United in the rounds that followed.
Abakaliki FC, bumped Yobe Desert Stars in the Round of 64, and also overcame Katsina United, Enyimba FC and Nasarawa United in subsequent rounds.
Ikorodu City edged Sunshine Stars U19 team on penalties in the Round of 64, and have also beaten Crown FC, Beyond Limits FC and Wikki Tourists to get to the penultimate round.
Semi Finals (Men)
- Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi) Vs Ikorodu City (Lagos) – Bwari, Abuja – Wednesday – 4pm
- Kwara United (Kwara) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu) – MJA, Lagos – Wednesday – 4pm
Semi Finals (Women)
Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Ibom Angels (Akwa Ibom) – Aba – Saturday – 1pm
Edo Queens (Edo) Vs Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) – Ayingba Saturday – 1pm
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The pitch of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin is expected to be ignited as defending champions, Rivers Angels, face Remo Stars Ladies in a quarter-final clash.
The duel reignites Remo Stars – Rivers United rivalry in the Nigeria Premier Football League, which the former have just won. National Cup’s defending champions will not just be attempting to retain their title, but also avenge their men’s version, Rivers United.
Remo Stars Ladies, on the other hand, will be seeking to take inspiration from Remo Stars FC, whose doggedness in the past four seasons has been exemplary.
In Aba, Heartland Queens should be feeling at home, playing in the neighbouring Abia State as they face Ibom Angels in another quarter-final duel.
Edo Queens, who were sensational in Morocco last year at the CAF Women’s Champions League, will be attempting to repeat the form as they face Unification Ladies of Lagos in Ijebu Ode.
Sunshine Queens, on the other hand, will be attempting to wipe off the miserable season of their male counterparts, the Sunshine Stars, who are relegation-bound in the NPFL.
The Sunshine Queens will be facing the Nasarawa Amazons in Akwa Ibom State. All four matches are scheduled to be held simultaneously at 1 pm.
President Federation Cup: Women’s Quarter-Final fixtures
- Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Remo Ladies (Ogun) – Benin City
- Ibom Angels (Akwa Ibom) Vs Heartland Queens (Imo) – Aba
- Edo Queens (Edo) Vs Unification Ladies (Lagos) – Ijebu-Ode
- Sunshine Queens (Ondo) Vs Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) – Awka
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