Three-time champions El-Kanemi Warriors will face surprise package Ikorodu City in the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup after both sides emerged victorious in Wednesday’s semi final clashes.
While the men’s competition now has its finalists, attention is rapidly shifting to the women’s tournament, where several of Nigeria’s biggest clubs are preparing for a quarter final round on Thursday.
Ikorodu City continued their remarkable run in the competition by overcoming Nasarawa United 4-2 on penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The Lagos-based side once again showed their resilience from the spot to book a first ever appearance in the final, extending a giant killing campaign that has made them one of the stories of this year’s competition.
Meanwhile for Nasarawa United, it was another painful chapter in Benin City. The Solid Miners had suffered penalty heartbreak in the Federation Cup final five years ago against Bayelsa United after a 2-2 draw, and history repeated itself once more.
In the other semi-final, El-Kanemi Warriors produced an assured display to defeat Wikki Tourists 3-1 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
The Maiduguri club, champions in 1991, 1992 and 2024, will now contest a second successive Federation Cup final as they chase a fourth title and another piece of domestic silverware.
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With the men’s finalists confirmed, the spotlight now turns to the women’s competition where four intriguing quarter-final fixtures are scheduled for Thursday.
At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Sunshine Queens will take on Confluence Queens in the opening fixture before multiple champions Rivers Angels face FC Robo Queens later in the day.
Elsewhere, Heartland Queens will battle Ibom Angels in Aba, while defending league champions Edo Queens face Nasarawa Amazons in Anyigba in what is expected to be one of the standout ties of the round.
The women’s quarterfinals promise to add another layer of excitement to this year’s President Federation Cup, with some of the country’s most successful clubs still in contention for the trophy as the race for national honours intensifies.
Men’s semi-final results
- El-Kanemi Warriors 3-1 Wikki Tourists
- Nasarawa United 1-1 Ikorodu City (Ikorodu City won 4-2 on penalties)
Women’s quarter-final fixtures (June 18, 2026)
- Sunshine Queens vs Confluence Queens — Benin City, 1pm
- Rivers Angels vs FC Robo Queens — Benin City, 4pm
- Heartland Queens vs Ibom Angels — Aba, 4pm
- Edo Queens vs Nasarawa Amazons — Anyigba, 4pm
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