Federation Cup Final: Kwara United defeat Abakaliki FC 4 -3 on penalties, seal continental ticket

The highly anticipated final of the 2025 Federation Cup took place on Saturday at the historic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, where Kwara United faced off against Abakaliki FC in a tense and tightly contested encounter.

Both sides came into the match with determination, knowing full well that victory would not only secure domestic glory but also guarantee a continental ticket to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

Throughout the 90 minutes of regulation time, neither team was able to find the breakthrough despite creating several chances and exciting the crowd with moments of skill and intensity.

Abakaliki FC, from Ebonyi State who had been one of the tournament’s surprise packages with their impressive run to the final, put up a resilient defensive performance to frustrate Kwara United’s attacking threats. On their part, the Afonja Warriors, as Kwara United are fondly called, also had to remain disciplined at the back to prevent a late upset from their opponents.

With the match ending goalless after full time, it proceeded straight into a penalty shootout to determine the winner. In the nerve-wracking shootout, Kwara United held their composure better, converting four of their spot kicks while Abakaliki FC managed to score three.

The final penalty kick sparked wild celebrations among Kwara United players, coaching staff, and their travelling fans, as the victory not only gave them the prestigious Federation Cup trophy but also booked them a slot to fly Nigeria’s flag in the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup.

For Kwara United, this triumph marks an important milestone in their history as they return to the continental stage with hopes of making the country proud.

Meanwhile, Abakaliki FC, despite their defeat, earned respect and admiration nationwide for their giant-killing run to the final, and they will look to build on this performance in future competitions.