All is set for the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup in Lagos on Saturday as giant-killers Abakaliki attempt to do the impossible against Kwara United in the men’s showpiece, while Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons clash for supremacy in the final of women’s competition.
The women’s final, which will be contested by reigning champions and nine-time champions Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons, will be the centre of attention at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan. The Amazons who will be led by captain Josephine Mathias, will be looking to repeat the proceedings of the 2019 final, in which they defeated Rivers Angels.
Interestingly, club skipper Mathias was a member of the Angels side that lost to the Amazons at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna six years ago, and she will be targeting a cup triumph in what is a golden opportunity being presented to her.
Meanwhile, the girls from Port Harcourt will be eyeing a 10th Federation Cup title in their history. They will be counting on their quality and experience to see them through, just as was the case in the 2024 final where they edged Naija Ratels FC of Abuja 1-0.
The Jewels as they are fondly called, will count on the services of goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi plus junior internationals Peace Effiong, Motunrayo Ezekiel and Chidera Okenwa to make the difference on Saturday.
The Amazons will be without the services of first-choice goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defender Sikiratu Isah, who are both on national assignment with the Super Falcons in Morocco ahead of the WAFCON scheduled to hold in Morocco next month.
In the men’s corner, Abakaliki will be eyeing a historic feat of being the first side to win the country’s oldest club cup competition whilst being in the lower division, when they take on NPFL campaigners Kwara United.
The Ebonyi state-based outfit have enjoyed a fairytale run in the cup this season in which they have eliminated four top-flight teams along the way including two-time African champions Enyimba of Aba.
Kwara United hitman Wasiu Alalade will be tasked with getting the goals during Saturday’s clash for the Afonja Warriors, while Abakaliki will keep faith with Pascal Elochukwu, Cyril Timothy, Chisom Ogbu, Ejike Nwafor, Collins Kalu and Chukwudi Okoro.
Victory for the winner offers a route to the continent to represent the nation in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
