Former Super Eagles forward and 1980 AFCON title winner, Ifeanyi Onyedika, was clearly on cloud nine at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Saturday evening after his side, Abakaliki FC, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the 2025 President Federation Cup, following a shock 5-4 penalty shootout win over Nigeria Premier Football League (NFL) side, Nasarawa United, Completesports.com reports.
Garba Abubakar handed Nasarawa United a late first-half lead, but Ifeanyi Ezema drew the NNL side level from the spot five minutes into the second half, as Onyedika’s men—now the only second-tier league side in the cup’s last four—came from behind to tie the game at 1-1. They then prevailed over Salisu Yusuf’s Solid Miners 5-4 on penalties, thus setting up a first-ever semi-final clash with Ikorodu City FC on 18 May.
“I’m excited. I’m overjoyed. These boys have made us happy and I’m proud of them,” Onyedika, MON, told Completesports.com after the emotion-laden shootout.
“It was a difficult game, but we had to be prepared for that, knowing we couldn’t expect less from a Nigeria Premier Football League side.
“Don’t forget, we’ve faced NPFL sides since the start of the Federation Cup campaign. We’ve played—and of course beaten—Katsina United, Enyimba, and now Nasarawa United.
“The tough games have toughened my players and given them confidence in the competition, and I’m happy they are responding to the real demands of the Challenge Cup, which is no respecter of big names.”
Abakaliki FC will face another NPFL side, Ikorodu City FC, in one of the semi-final matches of the 2025 President Federation Cup competition on 18 May.
Rangers will take on Kwara United in the other semi-final fixture.
By Sab Osuji
