President Federation Cup: Abakaliki FC secures semi-final ticket

By Olaolu Joseph

Semi-finalists have emerged in this year’s President Federation Cup following thrilling quarter-final encounters across four centres on Saturday.

Nigeria National League (NNL) side Abakaliki FC continued their fairytale run, knocking out Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) team Nasarawa United in Benin. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with Abakaliki edging the Solid Miners 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout. The underdogs had earlier eliminated Enyimba FC in the Round of 16.

In Abuja, Rangers International of Enugu secured a semi-final berth with a first-half goal to edge fellow NPFL side Plateau United.

Shola Adelani’s penalty in the first half was enough for Ikorodu City to see off Wikki Tourists of Bauchi and book their place in the last four.

Kwara United staged a dramatic comeback against Akwa United, overturning a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 in regulation time. The Harmony Boys then triumphed 5-3 in the penalty shootout to seal their semi-final spot.

The semi-final fixtures promise more fireworks as Abakaliki FC take on Ikorodu City, while Kwara United will face Rangers International.