El-Kanemi edge Ikorodu City to win fourth federation cup title
By Tosin Omojola
El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri claimed their fourth President Federation Cup title on Saturday after defeating Ikorodu City of Lagos 1-0 in the 2026 final at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
The decisive moment came early in the first half when the Maiduguri-based side converted a penalty, a goal that ultimately proved enough to secure victory.
El-Kanemi Warriors dominated the opening 45 minutes and deservedly carried their slender lead into the halftime break.
Ikorodu City responded strongly after the restart, piling pressure on the former champions in search of an equaliser. However, the Lagos side failed to convert their chances as El-Kanemi’s resolute defence held firm to preserve the lead.
The victory marks El-Kanemi Warriors’ fourth triumph in Nigeria’s oldest domestic cup competition, having previously lifted the trophy in 1991, 1992 and 2004.
By winning the title, El-Kanemi Warriors have also secured Nigeria’s second slot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, where they will join Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).
In the women’s final, Nasarawa Amazons won the President Federation Cup for the third time after defeating Heartland Queens 6-5 on penalties.
The match had ended 1-1 in regulation time before the Lafia-based side held their nerve in the shootout to clinch another domestic cup title.
