The curtain will fall on the 2024/25 Nigerian football season today (Saturday) as Kwara United, a top-tier NPFL team, lock horns with underdogs Abakaliki FC from Ebonyi State in the grand finale of the President Federation Cup. The highly anticipated showdown is set to take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.
This year’s final is unique, featuring two surprising finalists—both chasing the rare opportunity of silverware and a slot to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
Abakaliki FC have been the true Cinderella story of the tournament, stunning fans by knocking out four top-tier clubs, including former African kings Enyimba FC of Aba, en route to their historic final appearance.
Despite fighting to avoid relegation in the Nigerian National League this season, Abakaliki FC have defied all odds. A win today would see them pull off another shock by toppling a premier league side in what would be an unforgettable feat.
If Abakaliki FC manages to pull it off, they’ll replicate a rare moment in Nigerian football history, much like when second-tier Leventis United defeated star-studded Abiola Babes in the 1984 Challenge Cup final.
But Kwara United won’t be easy prey. With striker Wasiu Alalade leading their frontline, the Ilorin-based side will be banking on his goal-scoring prowess to seal the victory in today’s encounter.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa United’s coach Dipreye Teibowei believes Abakaliki FC’s dream is valid and not beyond reach.
“It’s a new dimension that is emerging, as we have a team from the lower division in the final, and anything can happen,” he said.
“The most important thing, though, depends on their coach. If you have a coach who has the courage and knows his onions, that means it would not be an impossible task.”
On the women’s side of the tournament, defending champions Rivers Angels will chase a record-extending tenth President Federation Cup title when they face Nasarawa Amazons in a rematch of the 2019 final, where the Amazons claimed victory.
A win for Rivers Angels would not only serve as payback for their defeat six years ago but also confirm their dominance in the competition by retaining their crown.
