2026 President Federation Cup: Ikorodu City end 24-Year Lagos wait to reach historic final

Posted : 18 June 2026

Ikorodu City FC produced another memorable chapter in their fairytale season on Wednesday, defeating Nasarawa United 4-2 on penalties to secure a place in the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup.

The historic victory at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City saw the Lagos-based club become the first team from the state in 24 years to reach the final of Nigeria’s oldest domestic football competition.

After an entertaining semi-final contest ended 1-1 in regulation time, the Oga Boys held their nerve during the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Derrick Julu emerging as the hero of the evening.

Ikorodu City began brightly and took an early lead in the 11th minute through in-form forward Ayoola Ibrahim, whose clinical finish rewarded the Lagos side’s positive start.

The goal injected confidence into the team as they dictated large portions of the opening half, but Nasarawa United gradually grew into the game and found a response before the interval.

Bright Amadi restored parity for the Solid Miners in the 41st minute, ensuring both teams headed into the dressing room level at 1-1.

The second half was fiercely contested, with both sides displaying determination and tactical discipline in search of a winning goal.

Despite creating several promising opportunities, neither team could find the breakthrough, sending the match into a decisive penalty shootout.

Having already survived a shootout against Barau FC in the quarter-finals, Ikorodu City once again demonstrated remarkable composure from the spot.

Tosin Oyedokun, Aderemi Adeoye, Abayomi Ayodeji, and Ayoola Ibrahim all converted successfully, placing the Lagos side firmly in command.

The defining moment came from Julu, who denied Nasarawa United's third and fourth penalty takers with two outstanding saves to hand Ikorodu City a famous 4-2 shootout victory.

Beyond qualification, the triumph carries special significance for Lagos football.

The last Lagos club to feature in a Federation Cup final was Julius Berger in 2002, when they went on to defeat Yobe Desert Stars and lift the trophy. Since then, no club from the commercial capital had managed to return to the competition's biggest stage until now.

Ikorodu City's remarkable journey has been built on resilience, ambition, and belief, qualities that have made them one of the most exciting teams in Nigerian football this season.

Awaiting them in the final are El-Kanemi Warriors, who booked their own place in the title decider with a 3-1 victory over Wikki Tourists in the second semi-final.

The Maiduguri-based side will be making their fifth Federation Cup final appearance, having previously won the competition in 1991, 1992, and 2024, while finishing runners-up in 2001.

For Ikorodu City, however, the focus remains firmly on completing a historic mission.

Having already broken a 24-year jinx for Lagos football, the Oga Boys now stand just one victory away from delivering one of the greatest achievements in the club's history and etching their names permanently into Nigerian football folklore.

The upcoming final between Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors sets up a thrilling clash of styles and histories. While the Maiduguri-based side will look to rely on their extensive tournament experience, the momentum and belief of the Lagos-based side cannot be overlooked. Football fans across the country eagerly await this decisive encounter to see if the Oga Boys can complete their historic fairytale run.

2026 President Federation Cup: Ikorodu City end 24-Year Lagos wait to reach historic final

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