Three-time champions El-Kanemi Warriors will face giant-killers Ikorodu City in the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup after both sides came through their semi-final ties in dramatic fashion.
El-Kanemi Warriors booked their place in a second consecutive final with an impressive 3-1 victory over Wikki Tourists in Katsina. The Maiduguri club, champions in 1991, 1992 and 2024, delivered a commanding display to continue their pursuit of a fourth Federation Cup title.
Ikorodu City, meanwhile, continued their remarkable cup run by overcoming Nasarawa United on penalties after an intense semi-final encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The match ended 1-1 after regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout. Ikorodu City held their nerve from the spot and secured a 4-2 victory to earn a historic place in the final.
For Nasarawa United, it was another painful Federation Cup setback at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The defeat brought back memories of the 2021 final when the Solid Miners drew 2-2 with Bayelsa United before losing 5-4 on penalties.
Ikorodu City’s latest triumph further strengthens their reputation as the surprise package of this year’s competition. The Lagos-based side have eliminated several established teams on their way to the final and now stand one match away from lifting the prestigious trophy for the first time.
The stage is now set for an intriguing showdown between the experience of El-Kanemi Warriors and the fearless challenge of Ikorodu City, with both clubs aiming to end their campaign on a high.
Attention also turns to the women’s competition, which reaches the quarter-final stage on Thursday across different venues.
At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Sunshine Queens of Akure will take on Confluence Queens of Lokoja in the first match of the day, scheduled to kick off at 1pm. Later, record winners Rivers Angels will face FC Robo Queens in a highly anticipated encounter starting at 4pm.
Elsewhere, Heartland Queens will battle Ibom Angels in Aba, while Edo Queens host Nasarawa Amazons in Anyigba as the race for a place in the semi-finals intensifies.
President Federation Cup Men’s Semi-Final Results:
El-Kanemi Warriors 3-1 Wikki Tourists
Nasarawa United 1-1 Ikorodu City
Ikorodu City won 4-2 on penalties
President Federation Cup Women’s Quarter-Final Fixtures:
Sunshine Queens vs Confluence Queens – Benin City (18/06/26), 1pm
Rivers Angels vs FC Robo Queens – Benin City (18/06/26), 4pm
Heartland Queens vs Ibom Angels – Aba (18/06/26), 4pm
Edo Queens vs Nasarawa Amazons – Anyigba (18/06/26), 4pm
