El-Kanemi Warriors were crowned champions of the 2024 President Federation Cup after they outclassed Abia Warriors in a one-sided final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, securing their third national title.
Nasiru Salihu was the hero for the Maiduguri side, scoring in each half to ensure his team qualified for the CAF Confederations Cup next season, alongside Enyimba, who finished third in the NPFL.
El-Kanemi hold off Abia Warriors to claim Federation Cup
El-Kanemi Warriors, recently promoted to the Nigeria Premier Football League, entered the game as underdogs but showed no fear from the outset.
They were more decisive in the final third, even missing a penalty in the first half when Nasiru Salihu saw his spot kick saved by Abia Warriors goalkeeper Ali Ishaku.
This setback did not deter them, as they soon went ahead with a beautiful team move that ended with Salihu scoring.
They kept the pressure on and were unlucky not to add more goals before the break. The story continued in the second half, with the Maiduguri side missing several clear-cut chances due to profligacy among their strikers.
However, they eventually found the net again through Salihu, who scored from a quick counterattack to quench Abia Warriors’ fire. This victory marks El-Kanemi Warriors' Federation Cup title since they won back-to-back in 1991 and 1992.
Blessing Okpe seals Federation Cup success for Rivers Angels
In the women’s Federation Cup final, Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt won their ninth title thanks to a spot kick by Blessing Okpe just before half-time, giving them the edge over Naija Ratels, who put up a spirited fight.
It was the only goal of a well-contested final between Rivers Angels and Naija Ratels, who were making their first trip to the final.
Rivers Angels coach Whyte Ogbonda, who won his maiden trophy as head coach, praised his players for their dedication, resilience, and hard work.
“This victory is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. We are thrilled to be champions of the President Federation Cup,” he told thenff.com.
Naija Ratels’ head coach, Bankole Olowookere, praised the resilience of his young team and believes they will learn from the game and become better.
“Although we did not get the desired result, I am proud of my players for their fighting spirit. We will learn from this experience and come back stronger.”
Men’s Final
El-Kanemi Warriors starting line-up: George Abine, Ba Abba Maigari, Usman Abass, Zayyad Musa, Mukhtar Mohammed, Momday Daniel, Jacob Jonathan, Nasiru Salihu, Gimba Ajiji, Suleiman Alabi, Aryamin Umar.
Abia Warriors starting line-up: Ali Ishaku, Jerry Ogu, Aliyu Mohammed, Prince Okorie, Collins Nwoburuoke, Daniel Wotlai, Ojonugwa Adejoh, Ayodele Ezekiel, Meme Okike, Sunday Megwo, Samson Obi.
Women’s Final
Naija Ratels starting line-up: Faith Omilana, Rita Tesebee, Tuminimu Adeshina, Sofiat Bankole, Oluwabunmi Oladeji, Jumai Adebayo, Janet Ikpa, Blessing Emmanuel, Grace Saliu, Joy Igbokwe, Ziperekefeghe Agama.
Rivers Angels starting line-up: Agatha Thompson, Sandra John, Ifeoma Paulinus, Ifeoma Ikenokwalu, Joy Michael, Florence Alexander, Adugbe Olamide, Patience Otubo, Peace Effiong, Sefiat Idris, Blessing Okpe.
