All roads lead to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena this Saturday as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu prepares to attend the grand finale of the 2024 President Federation Cup, with Rivers Angels battling Nasarawa Amazons in the women’s clash and underdogs Abakaliki FC facing Kwara United in the men’s final.
Also expected at the colourful waterfront event are Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and possibly governors or top delegations from Rivers, Nasarawa, and Ebonyi states.
For Ebonyi State, it’s a moment etched in history — Abakaliki FC is the first team from the state since its creation in 1996 to reach a Federation Cup final. Similarly, Kwara State marks its return to the final stage after nearly five decades, recalling Alyufsalam Rocks’ 1976 heroics when they lost to Enugu Rangers.
Abakaliki FC, funded by Senator Joseph Obinna Ogba, has shocked fans by eliminating big names like Enyimba, Katsina United, and Nasarawa United en route to the final. Their giant-killing run has revived memories of classic cup upsets in Nigerian football.
On the other hand, Kwara United — led by coach Tunde Sanni — have enjoyed strong support from home, including Governor Abdulrazaq and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who offered the team words of encouragement before their journey to Lagos.
