The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, will once again host the finals of the 2025 President’s Federation Cup.
Both the men’s and women’s finals are scheduled for Saturday, 28 June 2025, at the historic waterfront venue, marking the second successive year that Nigeria’s oldest domestic cup competition will conclude at the compact and iconic Lagos stadium.
The action kicks off at 2:00 pm with the women’s final, where defending champions Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt face Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia in what promises to be a closely contested encounter.
Rivers Angels, who edged Naija Ratels 1-0 at the same venue last year, are eyeing back-to-back triumphs in the prestigious cup competition.
El Kameni Warriors are the current Champions of the FA Cup. Photo Credit: The Supreme
Then at 4:00 pm, attention shifts to the men’s final between Abakaliki FC of Ebonyi State – the tournament’s surprise package – and Kwara United FC of Ilorin, who are seeking their first major title in 75 years.
Abakaliki FC’s Fairy-Tale Run
Abakaliki FC’s journey to the final has captured the imagination of fans across the country. The Ebonyi-based newcomers stunned Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) giants Enyimba FC with a 2-0 win in the Round of 16.
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In the quarter-finals, they drew 1-1 with Nasarawa United before winning 5-4 on penalties. They repeated the feat in the semi-finals, holding Ikorodu City to a goalless draw before again prevailing 5-4 in a shootout to seal their first-ever Federation Cup final appearance.
Kwara United Chasing History
Kwara United’s path to the final has been equally dramatic. After dispatching Solution FC 3-0 in the Round of 16, they overcame NPFL side Akwa United on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
Their semi-final clash against Rangers International saw Wasiu Alalade net the decisive goal in a narrow 1-0 victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, sending the Ilorin-based club into their first Federation Cup final.
Kwara United. Photo Credit: X
Victory in Lagos would not only secure Kwara United’s first major national trophy but also earn them a ticket to continental football for the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup season.
They also became just the second Kwara State-based team to reach the final of the competition, following Alyufsalam Rocks, who fell 2-0 to Rangers in the 1976 final, also in Lagos.
A Venue Steeped in Tradition
Formerly known as King George V Stadium, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena has played a central role in Nigeria’s football history. It has hosted a total of 60 Federation Cup finals under various names – including the Governor’s Cup, FA Cup, and Challenge Cup.
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Between 1945 and 1962, 18 finals were held at the original King George V ground. Later renamed Lagos City Stadium, the venue continued to stage finals until 1972, after which the competition began to rotate among other cities like Ibadan, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Port Harcourt.
Notable venues in the competition’s history include:
National Stadium, Surulere – 22 finals (1974–2002)
Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos – 8 finals (2007–2016)
Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, hosted the 2023 edition
