2023 Men and Women’s Nigerian Federation Cup final to hold in Asaba

By Saheed Afolabi

The 2023 Federation Cup final will be held at the Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba on June 15.

The title will be fought over by defending champions, Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels in the women’s category by 2pm while the men’s final will be a tough cracker between Enugu Rangers and Bendel Insurance.

The Prosperity Girls will renew their rivalry with their arch rivals the Pride of Port-Harcourt in a contest that’s a must watch for women’s football lovers.

The last time both sides met at the Federation Cup was two years ago in the semifinal as Bayelsa Queens whitewashed Rivers Angels 5-0 to reach the final and ultimately went to win the trophy at the expense of Robo Queens.

The Men’s final will be a repeat of the 1978 and 1981 finals which the Benin Arsenal crushed the Flying Antelopes 3-0 at the National stadium, Surulere in Lagos as Peter Egharevba stole the show with a fantastic freekick that brought a thunderous celebration in 1978.

Insurance are in a monstrous form this season as they are on 26 games unbeaten run in all competitions.

The Flying Antelopes didn’t have a good season to start with but they were able to escape relegation and surprisingly reach the Federation Cup final following a determined run.

The winner of the Federation Cup will represent Nigeria at the CAF Confederations Cup.

The Federation Cup is the oldest cup competition in Nigeria and it has been in existence for 78 years.

It was initially named the Governor’s Cup and was started in Lagos State.