Kwara United claimed their first-ever President Federation Cup title after edging out giant killers Abakaliki FC on penalty shootout at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena Lagos on Saturday.
After both teams failed to break the deadlock the game was decided via penalty shootout with the Harmony Boys winning it 4-3.
The win means Kwara United have qualified, alongside Abia warriors for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Abakaliki FC had the first shot on target 10 minutes into the game but Kwara United keeper Suraju Ayeleso was alert to the danger.
In the 25th minute Chukwu Onichie of Abakaliki cut inside from the left but saw his goal-bound left-foot strike blocked.
Thirty minutes into the first half Kwara United’s Junior Aimufua had the game’s best chance but saw his effort from a cross hit the post.
Few minutes later Ibrahim Yahaya of Kwara United sent in a dangerous cross into the box but Abakaliki keeper was alert to the danger.
With one minute left Chukwudi Okoro went close to giving Abakaliki the lead but the striker could not direct his header from a set piece towards goal.
At halftime a cheque of N500,000 was presented to the oldest FA Cup winner in Nigeria, Pa Biliaminu Adeoye.
Adeoye featured for Stationary Stores in the 1982 FA Cup final against Niger Tornadoes which ended 4-1 in favour of the now defunct Lagos football club.
Adeoye received the cheque in company of the Lagos legends.
Five minutes into the second half Kwara United keeper made a brilliant save as he came out to punch away a dangerous free kick.
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In the 63rd minute a Kwara United player hit a long range strike but Abakaliki keeper calmly held the ball.
With less than 20 minutes left Kwara United were awarded a free-kick imba decent position but the Abakaliki wall blocked the attempt.
Alalade Wasiu thought he had opened the scoring as he nodded a cross into the net but his effort was ruled out for offside.
On 79 minutes hit low left foot strike which Abakaliki keeper got down well to stop.
After 90 minutes the game went into penalty shootout with Kwara converting four of their five kicks while Abakaliki scored three of their five attempts.
In the women’s final played earlier in the day Rivers Angels retained their title after edging out Nasarawa Amazons also on penalties.
By James AGBEREBI
Photos by Ganiyu Yusuf
