Coach Obi Ogbala Confident Ahead of President Federation Cup Final Against Nasarawa Amazons

Heartland Queens head coach Obi Ogbala has expressed confidence ahead of his side’s 2026 President Federation Cup final clash against Nasarawa Amazons, while acknowledging the emotional connection he still shares with his former club.

Ogbala, who previously worked with the Lafia-based side, described Nasarawa Amazons as a team he holds in high regard but insisted his full focus is now on guiding Heartland Queens to silverware.

“Nasarawa Amazons is also my team. I worked with them and wouldn’t take anything away from the team. It’s a team I love so much,” Ogbala said.

He noted that the Amazons will be highly motivated after narrowly missing out on major honours in recent seasons.

“I know they missed out on the Federation Cup title last season and narrowly missed out on the league title in the last two seasons. A lot is expected because everyone wants that trophy.”

Despite his admiration for his former club, the Heartland Queens boss made it clear where his loyalties lie.

“But I am Heartland Queens. I work for Heartland Queens. On that day, we are working towards dotting our ‘i’s and crossing our ‘t’s to ensure we get it right.”

Ogbala believes his team is fully prepared for the challenge and is determined to make history by lifting the prestigious trophy.

“We are up to the challenge since the final is between the two of us. We are there to make history and lift that trophy. With motivation, effort and commitment, our eyes are on the trophy. We are expecting to lift it, and if we achieve that, it will be a big plus.”

The experienced tactician, however, warned against underestimating their opponents, stressing that Nasarawa Amazons remain one of the strongest teams in the competition.

“We are not underrating Nasarawa Amazons,” he added.

The much-anticipated final promises to be a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams eager to end their campaigns on a high by claiming the 2026 President Federation Cup title.

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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