KWARA UNITED WIN 2025 FEDERATION CUP

By: Gyang Dakwo

Kwara United are the new champions of the 2025 President Federation Cup after a nerve-racking 4-3 penalty shootout win over Abakaliki FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos

The game ended goalless in regulation time but not without excitement as both teams had chances to win it before the shootout

Abakaliki FC, who had stunned big teams like Enyimba, Katsina United, Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City on their way to the final, started confidently and could have taken the lead early on when Okoro Chukwudi connected with a lovely cross but his header went off target

Kwara United also came close just before half-time when Junior Aimufua’s fierce strike beat the goalkeeper but came off the upright and the first half ended with both sides unable to find the breakthrough

After the break, the chances became fewer and the game turned into a tight midfield battle although Kwara thought they had scored when Wasiu Alalade slotted home but the goal was ruled out for offside

With no goals after 90 minutes, the final went straight to penalties where Kwara United missed their opening kick through Akanni Akeem but recovered quickly to score their next four while Abakaliki FC missed two of their last three and handed the victory to the Harmony Boys

The win not only gave Kwara United the Federation Cup title but also a ticket to represent Nigeria in the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup