Ikorodu City have reached the semifinals of the 2026 President Federation Cup following a penalty shootout win over Barau FC in Awka, www.aclsports.com reports.
In one of the high-profile fixtures of the quarterfinals, a penalty shootout was held to determine who would advance into the final four. It finished 2-2 at regulation time with Ibrahim Ayoola scoring a brace for the Oga Boys, while Henry Ezeonye and Joseph Atule scored for the Maliya Boys.
From the shootout, Ikorodu City, just like they did against Enyimba in the last round, were able to keep their nerves in check to win 5-4 and reach the last four for the second successive year.
Despite being relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League last month, Wikki Tourists have been going strong in the competition, and they almost booked their place in the last four courtesy of Jonathan James’ strike. However, third-division side Flight FC equalized at the death to force penalties in Jos. Wikki goalkeeper Utum Godswill made a crucial stop to send his side through 4-3 in the end.
In Abuja, the North Central derby between Nasarawa United and Plateau United ended in a 2-1 win for the Solid Miners. The Lafia side took the lead on the brink of halftime through Abubakar Abdullahi. Daniel Aboh then equalized for the Tin Boys in the 85th minute, only for Ada Umar to score the winning goal for the 2021 losing finalists with three minutes to go.
Meanwhile, 2024 champions Elkanemi Warriors defeated Sokoto United 1-0 to reach the semifinals of this year’s competition.
The semifinal pairings will see Nasarawa United take on Ikorodu City, while Elkanemi Warriors will face Wikki Tourists in a battle of newly relegated topflight teams for a place in the final.
