President Federation Cup Review: El-Kanemi Warriors and Nasarawa Amazons Prove Experience Counts in Asaba

Posted : 12 July 2026

The curtain came down on the 2025 President Federation Cup on Saturday in Asaba as experienced campaigners El-Kanemi Warriors and Nasarawa Amazons reaffirmed their status as cup specialists by overcoming spirited challenges from debut finalists Ikorodu City and Heartland Queens, respectively.

While the newcomers displayed resilience and ambition throughout the competition, the finals at the Stephen Keshi Stadium ultimately highlighted the value of experience, composure, and clinical finishing on the biggest stage.

The women's final produced a thrilling contest as Heartland Queens, who had stunned former champions FC Robo Queens in the semi-finals, looked set to complete their fairy-tale run after Chizoba Johnson broke the deadlock early in the second half.

However, Nasarawa Amazons refused to surrender, with Judith Adaobi scoring the equaliser to force the match into a penalty shootout after regulation time ended 1-1.

The dramatic shootout extended into sudden death before the Lafia-based side emerged 6-5 winners to lift another President Federation Cup title.

The men's final was decided by the narrowest of margins, with El-Kanemi Warriors defeating impressive first-time finalists Ikorodu City 1-0.

Muktari Ismail calmly converted a first-half penalty, and it proved to be the decisive goal despite sustained pressure from the Lagos-based club in the second half.

El-Kanemi Warriors defended resolutely to preserve their lead and claim the prestigious trophy, while also securing Nigeria's ticket to next season's CAF Confederation Cup alongside Shooting Stars SC, who finished third in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The competition also recognised several outstanding individual performers.

In the women's category, Nasarawa Amazons' Ayatsea Hembafan was named the Most Valuable Player, while Rivers Angels' Peace Effiong claimed the Top Scorer award with four goals. Udoka Unachukwu of Nasarawa Amazons was named the tournament's Best Goalkeeper.

In the men's competition, El-Kanemi Warriors' Muktari Ismail was deservedly named the Most Valuable Player after his outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Wikki Tourists' Imam Bala Magaji finished as the competition's highest scorer with six goals, while El-Kanemi Warriors goalkeeper Temitope Suleiman received the Best Goalkeeper award.

Although Heartland Queens and Ikorodu City fell just short of lifting the trophies, both clubs earned widespread admiration for their remarkable journeys to the finals, underlining their potential to become major contenders in Nigerian football in the years ahead.

President Federation Cup Review: El-Kanemi Warriors and Nasarawa Amazons Prove Experience Counts in Asaba

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