Nigeria Leagues
President Federation Cup final: El-Kanemi Warriors vs Abia Warriors Preview
By Wale Mustapha
The highly anticipated grand finale of Nigeria’s oldest Cup competition is set to take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Saturday, June 29th.
Originally scheduled for the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, the final will now feature El-Kanemi Warriors and Abia Warriors battling for the coveted trophy.
El-Kanemi Warriors have had an impressive journey to the final, defeating Gombe United, Shooting Stars, Inter Lagos, and Kebbi United along the way.
Abia Warriors, on the other hand, secured their spot in the final by overcoming Sporting Supreme, Kwara United, Sokoto United, and Kano Pillars.
This encounter will mark the 11th meeting between the two teams in all competitions, with El-Kanemi Warriors leading the head-to-head record with six wins to Abia Warriors’ four. The last time they met was in the 2019 NPFL season, which Abia Warriors won 2-1.
In terms of goal scoring, El-Kanemi Warriors have the upper hand with 11 goals against Abia Warriors’ seven.
El-Kanemi Warriors are seeking their third Cup success, having won the competition in 1991 and 1992. They also reached the final in 2001 but lost to Dolphin of Port Harcourt.
Coach Aliyu Zubair, who recently guided El-Kanemi Warriors to the top flight division, is keen to win his second Cup title, having previously won it in 2017 while assisting Abdu Maikaba at Akwa United. Coach Bethel Orji, on the other hand, aims to make Abia Warriors’ first-ever final appearance count.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4 pm at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
