The race for this year’s President Federation Cup title reaches a crucial stage on Wednesday as former champions El-Kanemi Warriors and Wikki Tourists square off in a high-stakes semi-final clash at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
Key Highlights:
- The President Federation Cup semi-finals will be played on Wednesday.
- El-Kanemi Warriors face Wikki Tourists in Katsina.
- Nasarawa United take on Ikorodu City in Benin City.
- All four teams are aiming for a place in the final.
- The matches will decide the finalists for Nigeria’s oldest football competition.
The encounter pits two of Nigeria’s traditional football powerhouses against each other, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the grand finale of the country’s oldest and most prestigious domestic football competition.
Three-time champions El-Kanemi Warriors will be seeking another shot at glory after lifting the trophy in 1991, 1992 and most recently in 2024.
The Maiduguri-based club defeated Kano Pillars 3-2 to claim their first title before edging Stationery Stores 1-0 the following year.
They returned to the summit two years ago, defeating Abia Warriors in the final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Wikki Tourists, meanwhile, are chasing only their second Federation Cup crown. Their lone triumph came in 1998 when they defeated Plateau United on penalties after a goalless draw in Kaduna.
Both teams have impressed on their road to the last four. Wikki Tourists eliminated Jigawa Golden Stars Jnr, former champions Bayelsa United, Kada Warriors and Flight FC, while El-Kanemi Warriors overcame Krusaders FC, Akwa United, Bendel Insurance and Sokoto United.
The second semi-final will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, where 2021 finalists Nasarawa United will face an ambitious Ikorodu City side.
Nasarawa United return to the same venue where they narrowly lost the 2021 Federation Cup final to Bayelsa United via a penalty shootout.
The Solid Miners will be hoping history does not repeat itself as they seek a place in this year’s final.
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The Lafia-based side booked their semi-final ticket with victories over Westgate FC, Ejigbo City, Rivers United and Plateau United.
Ikorodu City, who suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to eventual finalists Abakaliki FC in last year’s semi-finals, have enjoyed an impressive campaign.
The Lagos club not only retained their Nigeria Premier Football League status this season but also came close to securing a continental ticket, missing out to Shooting Stars on the final day of the league campaign.
Determined to make amends for last year’s disappointment, Ikorodu City have overcome Gaa Akanbi, Jigawa Golden Stars, two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba and Barau FC to reach the semi-finals.
With four ambitious clubs separated by just one victory from the final, Wednesday’s matches promise intense competition as the battle for Nigeria’s oldest football trophy enters its decisive phase.
