Kwara United have been crowned champions of the 2024-25 President Federation Cup after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Abakaliki FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Saturday, Afrosport reports.
The keenly contested final ended 0-0 after regulation time, with both sides unable tocapitalise on their chances.
Veteran goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso played a key role in keeping Kwara United in the game, making a crucial early save to deny the spirited Abakaliki FC. At the other end, Shola Abdulrahman nearly gave Kwara United the lead just before halftime, but his effort was repelled by a resilient Abakaliki defence.
With the stalemate unresolved after 90 minutes, the match went to penalties. Kwara United kept their composure, converting four of their five kicks to seal the win and lift their first-ever major domestic trophy.
The victory also means Kwara United will join Abia Warriors to represent Nigeria in the 2024-25 CAF Confederation Cup.
Abakaliki FC, the surprise team of the tournament, captured national attention with a fairytale run that saw them eliminate top-flight clubs like Enyimba and Ikorodu City. The third-tier side, who will compete in the Nationwide League One next season, fell just short of completing what would have been one of the most memorable cup triumphs in Nigerian football history.
In the women’s final, Rivers Angels staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Nasarawa Amazons. Trailing 2-0, the Port Harcourt giants fought back to level the game before winning on penalties. The triumph marked their 10th FA Cup title, further underlining their dominance in the women’s game.
