El-Kanemi Warriors and Nasarawa Amazons were crowned champions of the 2026 President Federation Cup after defeating Ikorodu City and Heartland Queens respectively in the finals played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Saturday.
Both finals produced exciting football as the experienced sides overcame first-time finalists to lift Nigeria’s oldest domestic cup trophies.
In the women’s final, Heartland Queens made a bright start after holding Nasarawa Amazons to a goalless first half. Chizoba Johnson broke the deadlock early in the second half to give the newcomers hope of a famous victory.
However, Nasarawa Amazons responded through Judith Adaobi, whose equaliser forced the match into a penalty shootout after regulation time ended 1-1.
The shootout was closely contested and went into sudden death before the Lafia-based club held their nerve to secure a 6-5 victory and lift the women’s President Federation Cup.
The men’s final also lived up to expectations as El-Kanemi Warriors edged Ikorodu City 1-0 to claim the title.
The decisive moment came in the first half when Muktari Ismail calmly converted a penalty. Ikorodu City pressed for an equaliser after the break, but El-Kanemi Warriors defended resolutely to protect their lead until the final whistle.
The victory earned the Maiduguri club the President Federation Cup title and a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, where they will represent Nigeria alongside Nigeria Premier Football League side Shooting Stars.
Individual Award Winners
Women’s Competition
•Winners: Nasarawa Amazons
•Runners-up: Heartland Queens
•Most Valuable Player: Ayatsea Hembafan (Nasarawa Amazons)
•Top Scorer: Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels) – 4 goals
•Best Goalkeeper: Udoka Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Men’s Competition
•Winners: El-Kanemi Warriors
•Runners-up: Ikorodu City
•Most Valuable Player: Muktari Ismail (El-Kanemi Warriors)
•Top Scorer: Imam Bala Magaji (Wikki Tourists) – 6 goals
•Best Goalkeeper: Temitope Suleiman (El-Kanemi Warriors)
