2026 President Federation Cup: Wikki Tourists exit with pride despite S/final heartbreak

Posted : 18 June 2026

Wikki Tourists' quest for a place in the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup ended on Wednesday after a 3-1 semi-final defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

Although the result brought their campaign to a close, the Bauchi-based side can look back on a remarkable journey that saw them emerge as one of the standout teams in this year's competition.

The semi-final encounter was effectively decided in the opening half, with El-Kanemi Warriors taking full advantage of their opportunities to race into a three-goal lead before the break. Wikki Tourists struggled to recover from the early setback despite showing improved urgency and determination after the restart.

Their resilience was rewarded when leading striker Imamu Bala Magaji converted a penalty to pull one goal back, raising hopes of a comeback. However, El-Kanemi Warriors remained composed defensively and successfully protected their advantage to secure a place in the final.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Evans Ogenyi acknowledged the disappointment of the defeat but expressed satisfaction with the team's overall performance in the tournament.

"The result is disappointing because it has brought an end to our campaign in the competition. We did our best to win and qualify for the final, but God has destined that this is how far we can go," Ogenyi said.

The coach revealed that circumstances leading up to the match affected his side's preparations. According to him, the illness of key player Abba Musa shortly before kickoff forced a late change to the lineup, while the team's delayed arrival in Katsina added to the challenges faced by the squad.

Despite the setback, Ogenyi praised his players and technical crew for their commitment throughout the competition, noting that reaching the semi-final represented significant progress for a team that had overcome several obstacles during the season.

"I want to appreciate the players and my technical team for their hard work and sacrifice. Considering the situation I met when I was appointed and had to manage what was on ground, reaching the semi-final and finishing among the last four teams in the competition is a commendable achievement," he added.

Looking ahead, the coach called for better planning and logistics to enhance the club's competitiveness in future tournaments and league engagements. He stressed that early preparations and timely travel arrangements would help the team avoid avoidable disruptions before crucial matches.

While the dream of lifting the Federation Cup has been postponed, Wikki Tourists leave the competition with their heads held high after an impressive campaign that showcased their fighting spirit and potential for future success.

The tournament run serves as a strong foundation for the club as they transition back to their primary domestic responsibilities. With lessons learned from the logistical hurdles, the management and technical crew are poised to build a more robust structure for the upcoming season. The unwavering support from the fans remains a vital driving force for the team's future aspirations.

2026 President Federation Cup: Wikki Tourists exit with pride despite S/final heartbreak

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