El-Kanemi Warriors and Nasarawa Amazons emerged champions of the 2026 President Federation Cup after overcoming spirited challenges from first-time finalists Ikorodu City and Heartland Queens, respectively, in the finals played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Saturday.
Heartland Queens stunned spectators by taking the lead early in the second half through Chizoba Johnson after a goalless opening period.
However, Nasarawa Amazons responded through Judith Adaobi to force the match into penalties, where the Lafia-based side triumphed 6-5 after a tense sudden-death shootout.
In the men’s final, El-Kanemi Warriors secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City courtesy of a first-half penalty converted by Muktari Ismail.
The Maiduguri club held firm against sustained second-half pressure to clinch the prestigious trophy.
The victory also earned El-Kanemi Warriors Nigeria’s ticket to the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, where they will compete alongside Shooting Stars, who qualified through their Nigeria Premier Football League finish.
Individual honours saw Ayatsea Hembafan of Nasarawa Amazons named the women’s Most Valuable Player, while teammate Udoka Unachukwu claimed the Best Goalkeeper award.
Rivers Angels forward Peace Effiong finished as the women’s top scorer with four goals.
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In the men’s category, El-Kanemi Warriors’ Muktari Ismail was named Most Valuable Player, while teammate Temitope Suleiman won the Best Goalkeeper award.
Imam Bala Magaji of Wikki Tourists finished as the competition’s top scorer with six goals.
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, also celebrated success after defeating Benin Republic 5-3 in the second leg of their final qualifying tie in Lomé to book a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The victory completed an 8-5 aggregate triumph following Nigeria’s 3-2 first-leg win in Ikenne.
Mary Dustan opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Benin equalised shortly afterwards. Esther Stephen restored Nigeria’s lead in the 15th minute, while Queen Joseph added another five minutes later to give the Flamingos a comfortable first-half advantage.
Although Benin mounted a comeback, the Flamingos stayed composed, with Queen Joseph scoring her second goal in the 76th minute to wrap up the victory and confirm Nigeria’s qualification.
The qualification extends Nigeria’s impressive record in the competition, with the Flamingos set to compete among the world’s best as they seek another strong outing on the global stage.
