Kwara United made history on Saturday by lifting their first-ever President Federation Cup title, overcoming the spirited challenge of Abakaliki FC in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The clash was tightly contested, with both sides unable to find the net across 90 minutes of play. Alalade Wasiu came close to breaking the deadlock for the Harmony Boys in the second half, heading home what he thought was the opening goal, only for it to be ruled offside.
With neither team managing to score in regulation time, the match was decided from the spot. Kwara United held their nerve, converting four of their five penalties, while Abakaliki FC could only manage three.
The victory not only handed Kwara United their maiden President Federation Cup triumph but also secured their ticket to next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, where they will be joined by Abia Warriors.
In a touching halftime moment, a cheque of ₦500,000 was presented to Pa Biliaminu Adeoye, the oldest surviving FA Cup winner in Nigeria. Adeoye played for the legendary Stationery Stores in the 1982 FA Cup final, helping them to a memorable 4-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes.
Earlier in the day, the women’s final provided its own share of drama as Rivers Angels successfully defended their crown, overcoming Nasarawa Amazons in another penalty shootout thriller.
