Ibrahim Gusau: NFF President gives hint on President Federation Cup final venue

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The 2025 President Federation Cup final, set for June, is likely to be held once again in Lagos, as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, hinted to Completesports.com in Abuja.

After witnessing the impressive performance of Abakaliki FC, who triumphed over Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) team Ikorodu City of Lagos at the Bwari Township Stadium, a delighted Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau remarked that while the NFF has not finalized the location for the final, it is probable that Lagos will be the venue once more.

Holders, Rivers Angels will face Nasarawa Amazons in the women’s final.

Last year, Lagos State was the host for the President’s Federation Cup final, which was claimed by the then Nigeria National League (NNL) team El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, who overcame NPFL club Abia Warriors of Umuahia in the decisive match.

This year, the final will feature a contest between the NPFL team Kwara United of Ilorin and the relegation-threatened NNL side, Abakaliki FC, who have made a name for themselves by defeating four NPFL teams to reach this stage.

“We are most likely going to play the final in Lagos. We are still in discussions with stakeholders and will notify the public once a decision is made. As you can see, we are striving to restore the prestige of the oldest competition in the country,” Gusau stated.

“Our goal is to enhance the value of the Federation Cup. As evidenced last year, an NNL team reached the final and even secured the trophy. Now, another NNL club, Abakaliki FC, has made it to the final. This is a result of our commitment to ensuring that the deserving team wins the cup. We do not have favored winners—there is no favoritism.”

Gusau added: “Last year, we initiated the rebranding of the Federation Cup, and as you can see, the excitement is gradually returning. We are diligently collaborating with our partners to attract corporate sponsors to make the Federation Cup highly appealing. We aim to leverage the enhancements in the competition to promote it, and, with God’s grace, you will see corporate entities eager to partner with us.

The NFF boss concluded by disclosing that the Federation Cup has good monetary packages for the winners, but he would not, however, divulge whether there will be improved prizes.