El-Kanemi defeat Abia Warriors to win first Federation Cup in 32 years

El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri are the winners of the 2024 men’s President Federation Cup. 

The Borno-based club defeated Abia Warriors 2-0 in the final on Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The clash of warriors was feisty, but the Borno Army toppled their Abia counterparts thanks to Nasiru Salihu’s brace.

The midfielder netted once in each half to claim the coveted trophy for El-Kanemi.

Ali Zubairu and his boys’ triumph sealed El-Kanemi’s third President Federation Cup title in the club’s history, and the trophy returns to Maiduguri for the first time in 32 years.

The club also earned the N50 million cash prize amid the celebrations.

El-Kanemi, the 2001 losing finalists, should have taken the lead earlier, but Salihu failed to convert a penalty kick.

However, the former Super Eagles invitee made up for his error with the opener on 32 minutes, handing El-Kanemi the lead going into the interval.

He would double the lead in the 68th minute, sealing a well-deserved victory for Zubairu’s side.

Victory in the President Federations Cup also means El-Kanemi, recently promoted to the NPFL, becomes one of Nigeria’s representatives at next season’s CAF Confederations Cup.

In the women’s category, Rivers Angels brought their wealth of experience to pip Naija Ratels 1-0 and claim the title.

The latest triumph is a record-extending ninth title for the Port Harcourt-based side, ending a six-year drought.

Blessing Okpe, the competition’s most valuable player, scored the winner late in the game from the penalty spot to hand Rivers Angels the N25 million cash prize.