Giant killers Abakaliki FC of Ebonyi and Kwara United have booked their spots in the 2025 President Federation Cup final following the conclusion of the semifinal games on Wednesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Abakaliki FC, who are plying their trade in the second tier of Nigerian football, defeated Nigeria Premier Football League side Ikorodu City on penalties to in the game decided in Abuja.
The second division side were resolute at the back and kept the Oga Boys at bay for the entire duration of the match. After a goalless affair, penalties were needed to determine who will progress. Freedom Marvellous missed the decisive kick for the Lagos side as goalkeeper Elochukwu Paschal scored for Abakaliki to win 5-4.
The Rice Boys have now completed a hat-trick of wins against NPFL teams after beating Nasarawa United and Enyimba in previous rounds.
In the other semifinal between Kwara United and Rangers at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, it was an all-NPFL affair. Wasiu Alalade’s early second half goal was all the Harmony Boys needed to beat the six-time winners and reach their first major final.
The winner between Kwara United and Abakaliki will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. It is the second successive year in the President Federation Cup where teams in the NPFL and the second division will be facing off in the final.
The date for the 2025 President Federation Cup final has not been announced yet, but the venue is likely going to be the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne or the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
