Nigeria National League side Abakaliki FC have continued their dream run in the 2025 President Federation Cup, booking a historic place in the final after defeating Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Ikorodu City 5–4 on penalties in Abuja on Wednesday.
The tense semi-final clash at the Bwari Township Stadium ended 0–0 after regulation time, but the underdogs from Salt City held their nerve in the shootout to complete yet another upset in what has been a fairytale campaign.
Abakaliki FC have now eliminated four NPFL teams en route to the final, starting with a penalty shootout win over Katsina United in the Round of 32. They followed that with a stunning 2–0 win over nine-time champions Enyimba, then edged Nasarawa United 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the quarter-finals.
In the shootout against Ikorodu City, the Lagos-based side converted through Tosin Oyedokun, Ayomide Cole, Rivio Ayemwenre, and Austin Harrison, but crucial misses by Kelechi Onwe and Marvelous Freedom handed the advantage to Abakaliki.
Abakaliki FC’s scorers included Elochukwu Paschal, Jude Aleke, Emeka Ugwu, and Promise Uche, with Linus Christopher the only player to miss — not enough to derail their march to the final.
They will now face Kwara United, who booked their own maiden Federation Cup final berth after a 1–0 win over six-time champions Rangers in the second semi-final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Wasiu Alalade’s 50th-minute strike sealed the win.
The 2025 President Federation Cup final will now feature two first-time finalists, making it one of the most memorable editions of Nigeria’s oldest football competition.
