Former Champions Battle for Federation Cup Final Berths in Katsina and Benin

The race for a place in the 2025 President Federation Cup final reaches a decisive stage on Wednesday as four ambitious teams clash in the semi-finals across Katsina and Benin City.

At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, former champions El-Kanemi Warriors and Wikki Tourists will renew their quest for national glory in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

El-Kanemi Warriors, one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs in the competition, have lifted the prestigious trophy three times. The Maiduguri-based side claimed back-to-back titles in 1991 and 1992, defeating Kano Pillars 3-2 in the first final before edging Stationery Stores by a lone goal the following year. They added a third title in 2024, inspired by the outstanding performances of midfielder Nasiru Salihu, who played a key role in their triumph over Abia Warriors in the final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

Wikki Tourists, meanwhile, are aiming to return to the summit for the first time since their lone Federation Cup success in 1998. The Bauchi club secured that historic triumph after defeating Plateau United on penalties following a goalless draw at the Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna.

With both sides carrying rich histories in the competition, Wednesday’s showdown is expected to produce a high-intensity battle for a coveted place in the final.

Wikki Tourists have enjoyed an impressive run to the last four, eliminating Jigawa Golden Stars Jnr, former champions Bayelsa United, Kada Warriors and Flight FC. El-Kanemi Warriors, on the other hand, overcame Krusaders FC, Akwa United, Bendel Insurance and Sokoto United to reach the semi-finals.

The second semi-final will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, where Nasarawa United face fast-rising Ikorodu City.

Ikorodu City enter the match highly motivated after suffering heartbreak at the same stage of last year’s competition, when they lost 5-4 on penalties to Abakaliki FC following a goalless draw. Despite that disappointment, the Lagos club has enjoyed a remarkable season, successfully retaining its Nigeria Premier Football League status and narrowly missing out on a continental ticket on the final day of the campaign.

Club officials have made it clear that winning the President Federation Cup remains their primary objective, as victory would secure qualification for continental football.

Nasarawa United also have unfinished business in the competition. The Solid Miners were runners-up in 2021 after losing to Bayelsa United in a penalty shootout at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium—the same venue hosting Wednesday’s semi-final. Determined to erase that painful memory, the Lafia-based side will be seeking a return to the final.

On their journey to the semi-finals, Nasarawa United defeated Westgate FC, Ejigbo City, Rivers United and Plateau United. Ikorodu City booked their place among the last four by overcoming Gaa Akanbi, Jigawa Golden Stars, two-time African champions Enyimba FC and Barau FC.

With four determined contenders chasing silverware and a ticket to continental competition, both semi-final fixtures are expected to deliver drama, intensity and high-quality football.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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