The State Federation Cup finals across Nigeria delivered excitement, passion, and unforgettable moments, with teams like Kano Pillars, Heartland FC, Nasarawa United, and Inter Lagos emerging victorious in their respective states.
Kano Pillars Shine as Ahmed Musa Leads the Charge
Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa played a pivotal role in Kano Pillars’ thrilling 3-2 victory over Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Hadi Olarewaju stole the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick, while Musa contributed an assist as Maisu Gida lifted their first trophy of the season.
Penalty Drama in Lagos as Inter Lagos Stun Ikorodu City
In a high-stakes Lagos FA Cup final, Inter Lagos shocked NPFL side Ikorodu City in a tense penalty shootout. After a goalless draw in regulation time, Inter Lagos emerged victorious, winning 5-4 on penalties. Wisdom Ubani’s missed penalty proved costly for two-time defending champions Ikorodu City.
Amunike’s Heartland Make History
In Owerri, former Golden Eaglets U-17 World Cup-winning coach Emmanuel Amunike guided Heartland FC to a dominant 2-0 victory over OISA FC. Surajudeen Lawal’s second-half brace secured the title, marking Amunike’s first major trophy as Heartland’s manager.
More Triumphs Across Nigeria
- Akwa United clinched the Akwa Ibom FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Eagle Eye Academy, thanks to Ibrahim Akande’s brilliant 75th-minute volley.
- Nasarawa United lifted the Nasarawa FA Cup after a solid 2-0 win over FC Basira, with Shina Kumater and Garba Abubakar on the scoresheet.
- Bendel Insurance dominated the Edo FA Cup final, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Assemblies of God FC.
- Shooting Stars emerged Oyo FA Cup champions after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win over Crown FC, following a goalless draw in regulation time.
- Rangers International redeemed themselves in Enugu, reclaiming the Enugu FA Cup title with a 3-0 triumph over Ijele FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Full List of State Federation Cup Winners (Men’s Competition)
- Imo: Heartland FC 2-0 OISA FC
- Niger: Atlantic FA 0-0 Harmony FA (Atlantic FA win 6-5 on penalties)
- Abia: Enyimba 0-0 Ahudiyannem FC (Ahudiyannem win 3-1 on penalties)
- Kwara: Kwara United 1-1 ABS (Kwara United win 5-4 on penalties)
- Benue: Lobi Stars 2-1 Flight FC
- Adamawa: No competition
- Edo: Bendel Insurance 3-0 Assemblies of God
- Bauchi: Wikki Tourists 1-0 Warinje FC
- Lagos: Ikorodu City 0-0 Inter Lagos (Inter Lagos win 5-4 on penalties)
- Jigawa: Lautai United 0-2 Dandidi Babes
- Rivers: Rivers United 0-0 Wilbros FC (Rivers United win 4-3 on penalties)
- Ogun: Imperial FC 2-2 Beyond Limits (Imperial FC win 8-7 on penalties)
- FCT: EFCC 0-0 FWC FC (FWC FC win 4-3 on penalties)
- Osun: Osun United 0-1 Igbajo FC
- Nasarawa: FC Basira 0-2 Nasarawa United
- Enugu: Rangers Int’l 3-0 Ijele FC
- Anambra: Solution FC 0-0 Edel FC (Edel win 2-0 on penalties)
- Ondo: Sunshine Stars 0-0 Sunshine Stars U19 (Sunshine Stars win 4-3 on penalties)
- Ekiti: COPDEM 0-1 NOSMAS FC
- Borno: El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0 CP Strikers
- Akwa Ibom: Akwa United 1-0 Eagle Eye FA
- Oyo: Crown FC 0-0 Shooting Stars (Shooting Stars win 4-2 on penalties)
- Kogi: Kogi Central FC 1-2 FC Bako
- Katsina: Katsina United 1-0 Jnr Danburam
- Ebonyi: Cynosure FC 0-1 Abakaliki FC
- Kebbi: Discovery Talent Academy 1-5 Kebbi United
- Bayelsa: Bayelsa United 2-2 Crusaders FC (Crusaders win 4-2 on penalties)
- Kaduna: Simon Beb FA 1-1 Green Berets (Green Berets win 4-2 on penalties)
- Gombe: Gombe United 3-1 El-Shama FC
- Plateau: Mighty Jets Feeders 0-2 Plateau Utd
- Cross River: Rovers FC 1-0 E-World
- Delta: Warri Wolves 2-1 De Sapele Lions
- Sokoto: Sokoto United 1-2 Sokoto North FC
- Taraba: Technobat FC 0-1 Eagle Stars FC
- Kano: Kano Pillars 3-2 Barau FC
- Yobe: Yobe Desert Stars 10-1 Gujuba Academy
- Zamfara: Zamfara United 1-0 Zamfara United Feeders
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Women’s Competition Winners
- Abia: Ahudiyannem Queens
- Adamawa: Adamawa Queens
- Akwa Ibom: Ibom Angels 3-0 Jacklyn Angels
- Anambra: GP World FA
- Bayelsa: Bayelsa Queens 8-0 Crystal Stars
- Delta: Delta Queens 2-0 Delta Babes
- Ebonyi: First Mahi Babes
- Edo: Edo Queens 3-0 Fortress Ladies
- Enugu: Queen of Softlanding FC
- FCT: Naija Ratels 6-0 N-Youth Ladies FA
- Imo: Heartland Queens
- Kaduna: Gallant Queens 6-0 Kada Queens
- Kogi: Confluence Queens
- Kwara: Moje Queens 2-2 Kwara Ladies (Moje Queens win 4-3 on penalties)
- Lagos: Unification Ladies 0-1 Dannaz Ladies
- Nasarawa: Nasarawa Amazons
- Ogun: Remo Stars Ladies 4-0 Castmong Ladies FC
- Ondo: Sunshine Queens 3-3 Onimarg FC (Sunshine Queens win 4-2 on penalties)
- Osun: Osun Babes FC
- Plateau: Plateau United Queens 2-1 Mighty Jets Mata
- Rivers: Rivers Angels 10-0 Sparkling Angels
The State Federation Cup finals showcased the best of Nigerian football, featuring dramatic finishes, penalty shootout heartbreaks, and the rise of new champions. As the tournament moves to the national stage, fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the race for the prestigious Federation Cup title.
