Kwara United have booked their place in the final of the President Federation Cup for the first time in 49 years, defeating Rangers International 1-0 in a tense semi-final encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos on Wednesday.
This victory marks a historic milestone for the Ilorin-based club, who had not reached the final of Nigeria’s oldest domestic cup competition since the mid-1970s.
Captain Kabiru Mohammed expressed deep pride and satisfaction after the match.
“I feel very excited — it’s been so long for the state to get to this position,” said Mohammed. “We’re the first in this era to take Kwara United to a Federation Cup final. Before the game, we prepared well and made up our minds that we were going to make history.”
Reflecting on previous encounters with Rangers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), he added:
“We drew with them in Ilorin and lost 3-0 in Enugu. So, we told ourselves we had nothing to lose. We had to go all out, and now we’ve made it to the final.”
Kwara United Technical Adviser, Tunde Sanni, praised his side’s determination and resilience.
“We’ve worked so hard to get here, and we will give it our all in the final,” Sanni stated after the game.
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Also reacting to the historic win, Kwara United Football Club Board Chairman, Olakumbi Titiloye, told Athletic NG and Prime Sports Radio that the club’s progress to the final is the result of belief, investment, and patience.
“This victory is not accidental. It is the outcome of structured effort, the commitment of the players, and the support of the Kwara State Government,” Titiloye said.
“Kwara is the home of sports. What we’re witnessing is the combined effort of the government, stakeholders, players, and the technical crew working in unity. Everyone played their part in getting us here.”
When asked about their chances in the final, the Chairman delivered a confident response:
“We have won the trophy already.”
Kwara United’s winner came courtesy of a determined second-half performance, with the team showing grit and tactical discipline to hold off the much-fancied Rangers side.
In the day’s other semi-final, Abakaliki FC, a surprise package from the Nigeria National League (NNL), continued their fairytale run by edging past Ikorodu City in a goalless stalemate settled 5-4 on penalties.
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The Ebonyi State outfit, in their debut campaign, have defied expectations and now stand one win away from lifting Nigeria’s most prestigious cup trophy.
Looking ahead to the final, Captain Mohammed stressed the importance of staying focused:
“We have to go back and prepare because the final is not a friendly game. We know what is at stake, and we are ready to give our best.”
Kwara United’s top-flight experience set to face Abakaliki FC’s fearless rise, the 2024 President Federation Cup final promises a thrilling climax to Nigeria’s most storied knockout competition.
