The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba will host the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup, with former champions El-Kanemi Warriors set to battle first-time finalists Ikorodu City in what promises to be an exciting showdown on July 11.
The two teams secured their places in the final after overcoming tough semi-final challenges on Wednesday.
Ikorodu City continued their remarkable cup journey by defeating Nasarawa United 4-2 on penalties after both sides played out a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The victory sent the Lagos-based club into its first-ever President Federation Cup final.
For Nasarawa United, the defeat added to their disappointing record in the competition, having also lost the 2021 final on penalties to Bayelsa United at the same venue.
In the other semi-final played at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, El-Kanemi Warriors produced a dominant display to beat Wikki Tourists 3-1 and secure a place in the final.
The Maiduguri-based side will now be aiming for a fourth President Federation Cup title, having previously won the competition in 1991, 1992 and 2024.
El-Kanemi Warriors captain, Zayyad Musa, praised the support his team received from football fans in Katsina, describing it as a major factor behind their victory.
“We played as if we were in Maiduguri. The atmosphere was fantastic, and we are grateful for the support we received from the people of Katsina,” Musa said.
Wikki Tourists Technical Adviser, Evans Ogenyi, expressed disappointment over the defeat but acknowledged that his team gave their best effort.
“The result is painful because it ends our campaign. We wanted to reach the final, but this is how far our journey goes,” he said.
With El-Kanemi Warriors chasing another trophy and Ikorodu City looking to complete a fairytale cup run, football fans are expected to witness a thrilling final in Asaba.
Meanwhile, action in the women’s President Federation Cup continues with the quarter-final matches. Sunshine Queens will face Confluence Queens in Benin City, while Rivers Angels take on FC Robo Queens at the same venue.
Elsewhere, Heartland Queens will battle Ibom Angels in Aba, while Edo Queens will face Nasarawa Amazons in Anyigba in one of the standout fixtures of the round.
The finals of both the men’s and women’s competitions are expected to attract football lovers from across the country to the Delta State capital.
