Sports
President Federation Cup: Abakaliki FC stun Ikorodu City to romp into final as NNL boss Aluo hails team
Nigeria National League (NNL) side Abakaliki FC cemented their status as the giant killers of the 2025 President Federation Cup after edging out Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Ikorodu City FC in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Bwari Township Stadium, Abuja.
The tightly contested Semifinal clash ended goalless in regulation time, but it was the Salt City boys who held their nerve to triumph 5-4 on penalties, sending shockwaves across the Nigerian football landscape.
The victory marked yet another scalp for Abakaliki FC, who have already knocked out top-tier sides including Katsina United , Nasarawa United, and Enyimba International in this year’s tournament.
Speaking after the thrilling encounter, Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, lavished praise on the Ebonyi State team for their remarkable journey so far in the competition.
“Abakaliki FC’s run is a clear statement that the NNL is producing quality football. This is not a fluke. They have beaten some of the best teams in the country and deserve to be where they are,” Aluo said. “They have shown resilience, technical quality, and mental toughness. I urge them to stay focused and go all the way.”
Aluo also referenced El-Kanemi Warriors, another NNL side, who famously lifted the trophy last season after beating NPFL side Abia Warriors, suggesting a changing tide in the balance of power between the country’s two top leagues.
Also in attendance was NPFL Chairman, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, who, despite the defeat of a top-tier team, was full of admiration for the underdogs.
“What we’ve witnessed today is the beauty of the Federation Cup. Abakaliki FC played with heart, and their composure during the shootout was commendable,” Elegbeleye said. “This also affirms that the NNL is not just a feeder league but the heartbeat of Nigerian football development.”
The electrifying contest drew a crowd of top football dignitaries, including NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF Second Vice President Gbenga Elegbeleye, NNL CEO Emmanuel Attah, and former Lobi Stars chairman Dominic Iorfa, all of whom commended the level of competition and the quality of football on display.
With the semifinal hurdle now behind them, Abakaliki FC turn their attention to the grand finale, where they will lock horns with Kwara United, in a mouthwatering clash that will decide who lifts Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious football trophy.
As anticipation builds, one thing is certain: Abakaliki FC have earned their place on the national stage, and they are not done yet. If they can pull off one more upset, the Salt City boys will write their names in Nigerian football history.
Sports
Why We Suspended Cynosure FC For Six months – NLO
The Nationwide League One has condemned the wrong narrative being pushed to the media following the match fixing scandal involving Liberty Lion FC and E’-World FC saying the management is working in accordance with the statute of the league.
It could be recalled that the management of NLO placed a heavy fine on Cynosure FC and upheld the result of the match between Liberty Lions fc vs E- World United FC after the league board concluded that Cynosure fc deliberately committed an act to bringing the game of football in
Nigeria into disrepute by falsely accusing Liberty Lions FC of match fixing without concrete evidence.
The Chairman of Cynosure FC was also suspended indefinitely for a period of 6 months from all
NLO-related events for raising false allegations without substantial evidence
and the Club Cynosure FC was fined N500,000 for an attempt that could destroy
the image of the country’s Football.
In a statement released, the league management of NLO said:, “NLO Disciplinary Committee has thoroughly reviewed the evidence presented. Unfortunately, Cynosure FC was unable to provide sufficient and convincing
evidence to refute the claims surrounding the integrity of the match.
“The referee’s report clearly stated that Liberty Lions FC who started the match with 7 players while the other remaining players joined the match mid way in the first half said
they could not get in touch with all their players in due time to communicate the new change in time for the match hence starting the match with 7 players before the others join mid first half.
“The referee’s decision to start the match with 7 players of Liberty Lions FC is in accordance
with FIFA Rule Law 3. As such there is no reason to say or presume otherwise by Cynosure FC alleging match fixing without evidence.
Evidence also have it that Cynosure FC tried to buy the match but could not succeed after several attempt to lure the chairman of Liberty Lions FC to compromise the match.
The Management of NLO has also warned that they will continue to do all within their power to promote the image of Nigerian football by providing a clean and clear platform the system to excel.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News5 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
