Abakaliki FC, Kwara United qualify for Federation Cup final

By Olaolu Joseph

Underdogs Abakaliki FC of Ebonyi confirmed their giant-killing status on Wednesday, defeating NPFL side Ikorodu City 5-4 on penalties to qualify for the final of this year’s President Federation Cup.

The thrilling semi-final tie, played in Abuja, ended goalless after regulation time and was decided by a penalty shootout.

The Ebonyi-based side held their nerve to triumph in the shootout and secure a historic place in the final.

Abakaliki FC had earlier eliminated former champions Enyimba FC of Aba in the Round of 16 and knocked out another NPFL side, Nasarawa United, in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Wasiu Alalade scored in the 50th minute to earn Kwara United a 1-0 victory over Rangers International in the second semi-final held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

The Harmony Boys from Ilorin will now face Abakaliki FC in the grand finale, with the trophy and a CAF Confederation Cup ticket up for grabs.

Like their opponents, this will be Kwara United’s first appearance in the final of Nigeria’s oldest football competition.