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2025 Federation Cup Final: Abakaliki FC Rewarded Despite Narrow Defeat

Posted : 01 July 2025

Abakaliki FC may have fallen just short of lifting the 2025 President Federation Cup, but their remarkable journey did not go unrewarded. Following their narrow defeat to Kwara United FC in one of the most fiercely contested finals at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, the Ebonyi State Government has announced handsome rewards for the gallant “Rice Boys.”

The state-owned club was given a heroic welcome on their return to Abakaliki, as Governor Francis Nwifuru unveiled a generous package to recognize the team’s historic performance.

Each player and coach will receive ₦1 million, non-technical staff will earn ₦500,000 each, while the Supporters Club will receive ₦4 million. Additionally, the Ebonyi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) was awarded ₦1 million in recognition of the media’s role throughout the campaign.

Governor Nwifuru also pledged to continue paying players' salaries until November 2025 and committed to returning the club to the Nigeria National League (NNL) next season, despite their relegation to the third-tier NLO.

Though the final ended goalless after regulation time, Kwara United held their nerve in the penalty shootout, clinching a 4–3 win and securing their first major trophy in over four decades, along with a place in the 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup.

Despite the loss, Abakaliki FC’s run to the final, marked by upset victories over Enyimba, Katsina United, Nasarawa United, and Ikorodu City, captured national admiration and elevated the team’s status.

The final was not without drama: Junior Aimufua struck the post early for Kwara United, and Wasiu Alalade had a goal disallowed for offside. Ultimately, it was the Afonja Warriors who triumphed in the shootout to lift the coveted title.

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