Debutants Heartland Queens and Ikorodu City appear to have aces up their sleeves as they step forward confidently into the grand finale of this year’s President Federation Cup competition against more-established names in the Nigeria football firmament.
So much excitement has built up ahead of Saturday’s spectacle at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, with the women’s final set to commence at noon while the men’s final begins at 4pm.
The Queens from Owerri have earned immense respect among the game’s followers after they conquered better-known FC Robo Queens of Lagos in the semi finals. The latter had seen off multi-titlists Rivers Angels in the quarter finals, before running into the Queens’ brickwall at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Wednesday.
Before conquering FC Robo Queens, the girls from Owerri had proven themselves by turning back Dragon Fury Ladies, Ahudiyannem Queens and Ibom Angels in earlier stages.
Two-time champions Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia ejected Sunshine Queens of Akure in a close-fought semi final at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. But they must be wary of the highly-motivated girls from Owerri.
In earlier stages, Amazons, who have maintained their place among the front-runners with consistency in performance and results, swept past Osklean FC in the Round of 32, and then came out tops in penalty shootouts against FC Naija Ratels of Abuja and high-flying Edo Queens.
Three-time champions El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri are up against newcomers Ikorodu City in the men’s Final, with a big war expected as the winner will pick a ticket to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup competition.
El-Kanemi Warriors won the trophy in consecutively 1991 and 1992, before overpowering Abia Warriors in the 2024 final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos to lift their third title.