2026 President Federation Cup: Nasarawa Amazons edge Naija Ratels to reach quarter-finals

Posted : 04 June 2026

Nasarawa Amazons FC booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 President Federation Cup after overcoming fellow Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) side Naija Ratels 4-3 on penalties following a fiercely contested 1-1 draw at the Zaria Township Stadium in Kaduna State.

The Round of 16 encounter also marked a historic moment as the first women's football match played at the recently renovated Zaria Township Stadium, attracting a sizeable crowd of enthusiastic supporters who relished the opportunity to watch top-flight women's football in their community.

Nasarawa Amazons started brightly and were rewarded in the 27th minute when Okah Adaobi Judith unleashed a superb strike from outside the penalty area to give the Lafia-based side a deserved lead.

The Solid Miners Ladies dominated large spells of the opening half, controlling possession and creating several promising opportunities, although they were unable to add to their advantage before the interval.

Holding a 1-0 lead at halftime, Nasarawa Amazons continued to dictate proceedings after the restart, but wastefulness in front of goal prevented them from putting the contest beyond their opponents.

Their inability to capitalize on scoring chances proved costly as Naija Ratels struck late in the game. A defensive lapse in the 86th minute allowed the Abuja-based side to restore parity and force the match into a penalty shootout.

With qualification hanging in the balance, goalkeeper Chioma Okoye emerged as the heroine for Nasarawa Amazons. The shot-stopper produced two crucial saves during the shootout, helping her side secure a 4-3 victory and a place in the last eight.

The victory extends Nasarawa Amazons' quest for Federation Cup glory and sets up an intriguing quarter-final showdown against fellow NWFL powerhouse Edo Queens FC.

The thrilling contest not only showcased the growing competitiveness of women's football in Nigeria but also left fans in Zaria eager for more top-level matches at the renovated venue.

This hard-fought victory underscores the resilience of the Solid Miners Ladies as they advance further into the prestigious tournament. By overcoming a late equalizer and maintaining composure during the penalty shootout, the team proved their readiness for high-stakes knockout football. The focus now shifts to their upcoming quarter-final fixture against Edo Queens FC, where they will aim to sustain this momentum and continue their pursuit of the title.

2026 President Federation Cup: Nasarawa Amazons edge Naija Ratels to reach quarter-finals

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