The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Federation Cup

  • Federation Cup:  Obaje to miss Rangers’ clash with Heartland  

    Federation Cup:  Obaje to miss Rangers’ clash with Heartland  

    Rangers International FC will not have the opportunity to play star striker Godwin Obaje when they take on rivals Heartland FC in the President Federation Cup tomorrow.

    The Flying Antelopes’ Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu confirmed that the former FC Ifeanyi Ubah forward is nursing a thigh injury.

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    “Obaje got injured before the game against Plateau United. I wanted him to start, but he said no because the doctor advised he wasn’t yet 100% fit,” Ilechukwu revealed.

    “He got injured again against Plateau United, and honestly, I don’t think he’ll be ready for the next game,” he added.

    Beyond their Federation Cup clash, Rangers and Heartland FC will meet again in the Nigeria Premier Football League just days later.

  • Federation Cup: Rangers, Kano Pillars headlines Round of 64

    Federation Cup: Rangers, Kano Pillars headlines Round of 64

    The Draw for this year’s President Federation Cup national competition has  thrown  up a couple of contests of giants, as previous winners Rangers International FC of Enugu and Kano Pillars must do battle at the earliest stage possible in the men’s event – Round of 64.

    Rangers, the most successful team in the competition’s history with six titles, will face stiff opposition from a Kano Pillars side bolstered by Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa.

    Pillars, who have lifted the trophy twice, will be eager to avenge their 2018 final defeat to Rangers—a thrilling 3-3 draw settled by penalties, with the Enugu side triumphing 4-3.

    Elsewhere, defending champions El-Kanemi Warriors will begin their title defence against Simon Ben FC, a Kaduna-based club owned by Ibukun Simon, wife of Super Eagles winger Moses Simon.

    Enyimba FC, another Nigerian powerhouse, will take on El-Shama FC, while Yobe Desert Stars square off against Abakaliki FC for a spot in the next round.

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    Katsina United will face a tricky test against Green Beret, with Nasarawa United up against Flight FC.

    In other ties, Zamfara United will battle Shooting Stars in a North vs Southwest showdown, while Wikki Tourists play Edel FC among other  interesting fixtures to be played on  Wednesday, 19th   March.

    Meanwhile, Bayelsa Queens must  also do battle with last year’s finalists Naija Ratels in the earliest stage possible in the women’s event – Round of 32.

    ROUND OF 64 (MEN)

    *El-Kanemi Warriors Vs Simon Ben FC

    *Enyimba FC Vs El-Shama FC

    *Yobe Desert Stars Vs Abakaliki FC

    *Katsina United Vs Green Beret

    *Nasarawa United Vs Flight FC

    *Ijele FC Vs Lautau FC

    *Bayelsa United Vs EFCC FC

    *FC Basira Vs Atlantic FA

    *Warri Wolves Vs Wilbros FC

    *Shooting Stars Vs Zamfara United

    *Wikki Tourists Vs Edel FC

    *Rovers FC Vs Igbajo FC

    *Ikorodu City Vs Sunshine U19

    *Crown FC Vs NOSMAS FC

    *Beyond Limit FC Vs Krusaders FC

    *Rivers United Vs Barau FC

    *Mighty Jets Vs Imperial FC

    *Akwa United Vs Kebbi United

    *Sokoto United Vs Jr. Danburan FC

    *Lobi Stars Vs Discovery Talent FC

    *Solution FC Vs Eagle Stars

    *Kwara United Vs Cynosure FC

    *Gombe United Vs Assemblies of God

    *Sunshine Stars Vs FC Bako

    *Plateau United Vs Ahudiyannem FC

    *Osun United Vs FWC FC

    *ABS FC Vs E-World

    *Bendel Insurance Vs Dandidi Babes

    *Adamawa United Vs Warinje Babes

    *Heartland FC Vs CP Strikers

    *Rangers Int’l Vs Kano Pillars

    . All matches will take place on Wednesday, 19th March

    ROUND OF 32 (WOMEN)

    *Rivers Angels Vs Moje Queens

    *Gallant Queens Vs First Mahi Babes

    *Remo Stars Ladies Vs Plateau United Queens

    *Dannaz Ladies Vs GP World

    *Delta Queens Vs Jacklyn Angels

    *Ibom Angels Vs Sporting Angels

    *Fortress Ladies Vs Onimarg FC

    *Heartland Queens Vs Crystal Stars

    *Osun Babes Vs N-Youth Ladies

    *Edo Queens Vs Kada Queens

    *Delta Babes Vs Mighty Jets Mata

    *Adamawa Queens Vs Unification Ladies

    *Sunshine Queens Vs Castmog Ladies

    *Confluence Queens Vs Ahudiyannem Queens

    *Nasarawa Amazons Vs Kwara Ladies

    *Bayelsa Queens Vs Naija Ratels

  • Federation Cup: Ikorodu City, Inter Lagos battle in Final

    Federation Cup: Ikorodu City, Inter Lagos battle in Final

    The stage is now set for the grand finale of the 2025 Lagos President Federation Cup.

    Defending champions Ikorodu City FC and Inter Lagos FC would on Sunday, set the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, on football fire, when they clash in the final match of the Lagos 2025 President Federation Cup.

    To qualify for the final, Inter Lagos defeated First Bank 1-0 in the first semi-finals game played earlier on Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. While high-riding NPFL side Ikorodu City defeated hard-fighting Sporting  Lagos 2-1 in the second game of the day to book a final ticket and of course, a place in the national championship.

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    The final match between both sides is expected to be keenly contested as Ikorodu City aims to win a claim a third consecutive title, while Inter Lagos would make a bold attempt to tear the history book with a win.

    Earlier on Friday at the Legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, perennial winners of the women’s category, Robo Queens were stopped from making a record extending 15th title, by Unification Queens who won the intense semi-finals clash 4-3 on penalties, to book a place in the final against rampaging Dannaz Ladies who thumped Unizee Shella FC 6-0.

  • President Federation Cup: Bendel Insurance, Nasarawa United, Plateau United, others out

    President Federation Cup: Bendel Insurance, Nasarawa United, Plateau United, others out

    Reigning President Federation Cup holders, Bendel Insurance, Niger Tornadoes, Lobi Stars, Nasarawa United, Plateau United and Gombe United are the topflight teams that kissed the competition goodbye at the Round of 32.

    Insurance defeated Enugu Rangers 1-0  in the grand finale of the 2023 edition but they could not advance to the Round of 32 following their 2-0 defeat to Wikki Tourists.

    Gombe United did not honour their President Federation Cup tie with El Kanemi Warriors and were walked over by the North East side.

    Read Also:Big teams face elimination in President Federation Cup

    Lobi Stars suffered a surprise 2-0 loss to Shooting Stars. Christian Pyagbara with one of the goals that sank the Pride of Benue while Sokoto United upset Nasarawa United 1-0.

    Other teams through to the Round of 16 are EFCC FC, Inter FC, Lagos, Kwara United, Abia Warriors, Enyimba, Sunshine Stars, Rivers United, Katsina United and Kano Pillars.

    Today, Akwa United will face Zamfara United in Abuja while ABS FC and Kebbi United have their tie also in Abuja while Ikorodu City will face Coal City FC in Benin also today.

  • Federation Cup: Pillars, Rangers in star war headlines Round of 64

    Federation Cup: Pillars, Rangers in star war headlines Round of 64

    Last year’s runners-up, Enugu Rangers will go up against Kano Pillars in what is indisputably the pick of the men’s Round of 64 matches of this year’s Federation Cup competition.

    At the national draw conducted inside the NFF Secretariat, the two former winners were drawn together, with Cup holders Bendel Insurance to face Ogun State flag bearers, Stormers Sports Club.

    High-riding Shooting Stars of Ibadan must negotiate for a place in the Round of 32 with Solution FC, while two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC of Aba must overpower Warinje FC from Bauchi, a survivor of the National Play-offs.

    In the women’s draw, Cup holders Bayelsa Queens are up against Bright Future Queens, while Rivers Angels will tango with Ekiti Queens and Delta Queens tackle Fortress Ladies.

    Last year’s runners-up Rivers Angels confront Ekiti Queens, with Delta Queens clashing with Fortress Ladies and Edo Queens to battle it out with Kada Queens.

    At the draw, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau assured that the Federation is committed to restoring the glamour and glitz of the oldest football championship in the land, while also pledging that the integrity of the competition will be maintained all through the men’s and women’s competitions till the Grand Finale.

    Also at the draw were NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme; Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Finance and Admin, Babatunde Akinsanya; Director of Competitions, Ruth David; COO, Nigeria National League, Dr. Ayo Abdulrahaman; Head of Marketing, Alizor Chuks; Head of Protocol, Barnabas Joro; Head of Women’s Football, Amina Daura; Head of National Competitions, Danlami Alanana; Member, Cross River State FA Board, Barr. Tom Agi; Special Assistant to NFF President, Abubakar Danladi; Special Assistant to General Secretary, Mohammed Ameenu and; Member, NFF Women’s Football Committee, Harry Awurumibe.

    ROUND OF 64: MEN’S DRAW
    Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs. Stormers SC (Ogun)
    Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) Vs. Jr. Danburan (Katsina)
    Osun United (Osun) Vs. EFCC FC (FCT)
    Edel FC (Anambra) Vs. Discovery Talent FC (Kebbi)
    Zamfara United (Zamfara) Vs. ABS FC (Kwara)
    Kebbi United (Kebbi) Vs. Ine Stars (Edo)
    Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs. Cynosure FC (Ebonyi)
    Mighty Jets (Plateau) Vs. Zamfara United Feeders (Zamfara)
    Gombe United (Gombe) Vs. Karim United (Taraba)
    El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) Vs Adanimogo FC (Ondo)
    Lobi Stars (Benue) Vs Delta Marine (Delta)
    Shooting Stars (Oyo) Vs Solution FC (Anambra)
    Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Green Berets (Kaduna)
    Coal City (Enugu) Vs Ekiti United Feeders (Ekiti)
    Beyond Limits (Ogun) Vs Hammola Int’l (Osun)
    Inter Lagos (Lagos) Vs May Frank (Cross River)
    Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Lautai FC (Jigawa)
    Kwara United (Kwara) Vs Rovers FC (Cross River)
    Abia Warriors (Abia) Vs Ilaji FC (Oyo)
    Sporting Supreme (FCT) Vs PCM FC (Ebonyi)
    Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs FC Bako (Kobi)
    Sokoto United (Sokoto) Vs Ofirima FC (Rivers)
    FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom) Vs Fr. Eburuaja (Imo)
    Enyimba FC (Abia) Vs Warinje FC (Bauchi)
    Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Ekiti United (Ekiti)
    Sunshine Stars (Ondo) Vs Jedo Academy (Sokoto)
    Rivers United (Rivers) Vs Ikukuoma FC (Imo)
    Niger Tornadoes (Niger) Vs Niger Tornadoes Feeders (Niger)
    Katsina United (Katsina) Vs Dutse Strikers (Jigawa)
    Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) Vs FC Basira (Nasarawa)
    Doma United (Gombe) Vs Gamji Eaglets (Taraba)
    Kano Pillars (Kano) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu)

    Read Also: Federation Cup: National Draw holds in Abuja

    ROUND OF 32: WOMEN’S DRAW
    Bayelsa Queens (Bayelsa) Vs Bright Future Queens (Enugu)
    Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) Vs Suit De Queens (Oyo)
    Dannaz Ladies (Lagos) Vs Mighty Jets Mata (Plateau)
    Remo Stars Ladies (Ogun) Vs OSKE Leans (Rivers)
    Abia Angels (Abia) Vs Castmong Ladies (Ogun)
    Naija Ratels (FCT) Vs ON Youth Academy (FCT)
    Heartland Queens (Imo) Vs GoldenSun FC (Bayelsa)
    FC Robo Queens (Lagos) Vs Onimang FC (Ondo)
    Kwara Ladies (Kwara) Vs Ahudiya Nnem Queens (Abia)
    Delta Queens (Delta) Vs Fortress Ladies (Edo)
    Sunshine Queens (Ondo) Vs Green Foot FC (Enugu)
    Plateau United Ladies (Plateau) Vs Honey Badgers (Benue)
    Gallant FC (Kaduna) Vs Osun Babes (Osun)
    Confluence Queens (Kogi) Vs Delta Ladies (Delta)
    Edo Queens (Edo) Vs Kada Queens (Kaduna)
    Ekiti Queens (Ekiti) Vs Rivers Angels (Rivers)

  • Winners Cup: Rivers Angels, Nasarawa Amazons light up Abuja

     

    Federation Cup winners Rivers Angels will take on Nasarawa Amazons in the Winners Cup match of the Nigeria Women Football League at the FIFA Goal Project, National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday.

    A statement from the secretariat of the NWFL and signed by the Executive Secretary, Mr. Ayo Abdulrahaman clarified that the match, earlier scheduled for Wednesday, 18th January 2017 had been moved to Saturday, 21st January, to start at 3pm on that day.

    The Winners Cup is the women’s version of the NPFL’s Super 4 mini-tournament, and is the official season –closing event of the Women’s League.

    Rivers Angels FC is regarded as perhaps the strongest women football club in the land, though the girls from Lafia can never be pushovers for any team. Both teams regularly supply players to all categories of the National Teams, from the U17 to the senior team, Super Falcons.

  • Amiesimaka decries fading glamour of FA Cup

    Amiesimaka decries fading glamour of FA Cup


    Former international Adokiye Amiesimaka has challenged the football federation in the country to do something about the disappearing glamour of the federation cup.

    Finals of the oldest cup in the country he recalls in a recent media chart,  used to be a carnival of some sort but has in  recent times  become a mere ritual devoid of color.
    Many who hitherto followed the FA Cup with passion no longer enjoy the fun as even presentation to eventual winners during the finals has become shambolic.


    “The glamour is completely gone and that is rather unfortunate.  The football federation just has do everything to bring back the glamour, even the presentation of trophy no longer carries with it the fun that the FA cup is known for,” he said.


    Thea former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Rivers State challenged sports administrators in the country to aspire to improve the system they met on ground rather than lowering the standard.  On the chances of clubs flying the nation’s flag on the continent, the former Rangers international ace said there is no alternative to good preparations   as pushovers no longer exist in the round leather game.

    “Playing in the continent is not a tea party and preparation cannot be taken for granted, you just have to prepare well to stand a chance,” said the former Sharks chairman.


    Interestingly his former club Rangers international will be flying the nation’s fly this season in the champions league alongside Rivers United while Wikki Tourist and Federation Cup winners FC Ifeanyi Ubah will battle for honors in the Confederation Cup

  • FEDERATION CUP: IfeanyiUbah supporters storm venue in 30 trucks, 40 buses

    FEDERATION CUP: IfeanyiUbah supporters storm venue in 30 trucks, 40 buses

    …Club offers Lagos fans free ride

    Supporters of FC Ifeanyi Ubah will be arriving Lagos on Sunday in over 30 trucks and 40 buses to cheer the team to victory against Nasarawa United in the final of this year’s Nigeria Federation Cup billed for Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    Both teams will be playing in the final of the country’s oldest competition for the first time and they will be keen on replicating holders Akwa United’s feat of winning the trophy in their first final appearance.

    FC Ifeanyi Ubah Media Officer, Diegwu Mwankwor informed NationSport that the club wanted their supporters to be at the stadium and cheer the team to their historic victory.

    “Our supporters will leave on Sunday morning from Nnewi and around Anambra. We have about 40 buses and 30 trucks that have been outlined to convey our fans around Lagos and from Anambra to the venue of the final. You know the gate has been thrown open and we want our fans to be there live when we make this historic achievement,” Mwankwor told NationSport.

    The club have also provided Hummer buses, Marcopolo buses to convey Lagos fans from strategic places in the state to the venue of the final.ubah-1

    “We wish to inform all our fans and lovers of football that, by 12noon on Sunday, November 6, 2016, everyone should make their way to the most convenient point of conveyance in Lagos to join the buses that Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah has provided to transport them free of all charges to the stadium,” the club also said in a statement made available to NationSport .

    “There will be buses at strategic points across various parts of Lagos State. For fans residing in areas such as Okokomaiko, Badagry, Iyana Iba, Volks and environs, there will be buses at Trade Fair Complex, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to convey them to the match venue.

    “Those residing in Navy Town, Satellite Town, Festac and environs should go to Alakija Bus stop to join the buses to convey them to the stadium while fans residing at Amuwo-Odofin and parts of Festac can join the buses at Apple junction”.ubah-3

    “Those residing at Old Ojo Road, Agboju, Maza-maza and environs should go to Mile-2 (under the bridge) to join the buses while those who reside in Boundary and Ajegunle should join the buses at Wilmer Bus-stop for conveyance the stadium”.

    “Fans residing at Suru Alaba, Coker, Doyin, Orile and environs should go to Orile Bus stop to join the buses. There will also be buses at Oshodi, Adetola, Capital Oil & Gas Truck Park along the Oshodi-Apapa expressway and Cele Bus stop amongst others,” the statement read.

  • FEDERATION CUP: IfeanyiUbah hit Lagos Friday, target victory

    FEDERATION CUP: IfeanyiUbah hit Lagos Friday, target victory

    Players and officials of FC IfeanyiUbah will storm Lagos on Friday ahead of this year’s Nigeria Federation Cup final clash against Nasarawa United billed for Teslim Balogun Stadium on Sunday.

    The Anambra Warriors entered the final stage of their preparations for the upcoming final on Tuesday in a closed training camp in the city of Ibadan.

    The closed training camp is expected to last till Thursday with the team moving over to Lagos on Friday afternoon.

    Meanwhile, midfielders Tamen Medrano and Okereke Maduabuchi have expressed the team’s readiness in winning the prestigious trophy.

    Speaking after their first training session, winger Maduabuchi disclosed that the players are going into Sunday’s final with a positive mind set.

     “Even though the close camp is just starting, we have been preparing seriously in Nnewi, and I can tell you we the players are very positive going into Sunday’s match. Personally, I can’t wait for Sunday, I am very sure we are going to rise to the occasion.”

    Cameroonian midfielder, Medrano who has played every single Federation Cup match for the Anambra Warriors this season, is optimistic of the team’s chances of winning the Federation Cup. 

    ‘We are very focus on wining the trophy and so far preparations have gone very well. I can say that the mood in camp is that of unity and sense of purpose. We are on a mission, which is to win the Federation Cup.

    “Personally, every day I wake up, I look at the picture of the trophy on my phone, it motivates me, and I can tell you my teammates are also very motivated too. We will do our very best to win the trophy.”

  • Lagos to host Federation Cup final October 30

    Lagos to host Federation Cup final October 30

    THIS year’s Nigeria Federation Cup final between Nasarawa United and FC Ifeanyi Ubah will be played on Sunday, October 30, in Lagos.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the final will be staged at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

    Both finalists have yet to win the cup competition. The winners of this cup final will represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup along with Wikki Tourists, who finished third in the league.

    Akwa United won last year’s edition of the competition. In the women’s version, Rivers United will battle Bayelsa Queens.

    Meanwhile, Nasarawa United centre-back Samson Gbadebo has described as normal the Federation Cup final clash against top-flight side, FC Ifeanyi Ubah (FCIU).

    The two NPFL sides will square up for the top prize in this year’s Cup final billed for the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Sunday, 30 October.