Kwara United makes history, wins President Federation Cup
Kwara United have won the 2025 President Federation Cup after defeating Abakaliki FC 4-3 on penalties in Lagos.
The match, played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday 28 June, ended 0-0 in the regulation time, leading to the shootout.
The victory is a historic one for the Ilorin-based side, as it marks their first major title triumph since its creation in 1997.
A closely contested final, both teams created a lot of chances but were unable to find the back of the net.
Abakaliki FC, who had beaten big teams like Enyimba, Katsina United, Nasarawa, and Ikorodu City on their way to the final, looked lively early on with their striker, Okoro Chukwudi, coming close in the early minute but could not convert a good cross.
Kwara United had their best chance in the first half through Junior Aimufua, whose shot hit the post. In the second half, Wasiu Alalade had his header ruled out for offside, thus dragging on the momentum.
After playing goalles in the regulation time, the match went straight to penalties. Kwara United missed their first kick, but scored the next four. Abakaliki FC missed two of their last three kicks, with Goalkeeper Suraj Aiyeleso keeping out one of them to eventually hand Kwara United a 4-3 win.
As champions, Kwara United will now represent Nigeria in the 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup.
Notable dignitaries at the final match include the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his Lagos Counterpart, Babajide Sanwoolu.
Also in attendance is the President of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau,former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and a host of others.
