2025 President Federation Cup: Kwara United in search of first S/Final ticket

Posted : 02 May 2025

Fresh from an emphatic 4-0 humiliation of Lobi Stars in their Week 35 NPFL match, Kwara United’s next task is to secure a semi-final ticket in the 2025 President Federation Cup.

The epic encounter is scheduled for this Saturday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, where they will face fellow NPFL side Akwa United FC of Uyo.

Beyond the all-important semi-final ticket—which the Harmony Boys desperately seek—another key motivation will be their quest for revenge after a painful home loss to their Akwa Ibom counterparts a few weeks ago in Ilorin.

That defeat left the Afonja Warriors’ fans disappointed, disillusioned, and utterly frustrated. They are now eager for sweet revenge.

Supporters believe Saturday's match presents the perfect opportunity to settle the score after the blow Akwa United dealt them right in front of their home fans.

Coach Tunde Sanni, in an interview, expressed confidence that having come this far, his boys are determined to keep pushing until total victory is achieved.

"This is a completely different ball game. Yes, we may have lost to Akwa United in the NPFL, but we’re going to Enugu with a mindset to make a strong, positive impression.

“We believe luck will be on our side this time,” the experienced tactician stated.

"The spirit within the team is very high. The players understand what’s at stake and are fully prepared to give their all."

He also appealed for the continued support and prayers of the club’s fans as the team aims to qualify for the last four of the country’s most prestigious football competition, formerly known as "The Challenge Cup."

Stand-in captain Kabir Mohammed also boldly declared: “Winning the President Federation Cup is our top priority.”

“The closest Kwara ever came to winning the coveted trophy was decades ago when the now-defunct Alyuf Salam Rocks of Ilorin lost in the final to Rangers International FC of Enugu.”

“Yes, in the NPFL, Akwa United may be relegation-bound, but let no one forget how the team is packed with fleet-footed, adventurous, and ambitious players.”

“On the flip side, Kwara United’s recent surge in confidence, purposeful football, high-press attacking play, and a resilient defense anchored by the mercurial and highly talented goalkeeper, Suraju Aiyeleso, has transformed the team.”

“In addition, the evident unyielding and spirited mentality gives the Afonja Warriors enough strength to take on any opposition.”

All these factors set the stage for what promises to be a nerve-wracking, energy-sapping encounter—if all things go as expected.

Akwa United, meanwhile, will not roll over easily. They are equally determined to redeem their battered image and secure a place in the semi-finals to make up for their underwhelming performance in the 2024/2025 NPFL season, where they currently sit in 18th position.

A win for the Promise Keepers would not only boost morale but also offer them a shot at winning the prestigious President Federation Cup.

Their coach, Kennedy Boboye, is a seasoned cup winner and certainly knows what it takes to guide his team to another title.

2025 President Federation Cup: Kwara United in search of first S/Final ticket

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