Kwara United made history on Saturday by clinching their first-ever President Federation Cup title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over surprise finalists Abakaliki FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The closely contested final ended goalless after regulation time, but Kwara United held their nerve in the shootout to triumph 4-3, bringing decades of disappointment to an emotional end. The win also secured their qualification for the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, alongside Abia Warriors.
Head coach Tunde Sanni, clearly overwhelmed by the achievement, praised his players and fans for their commitment and revealed just how crucial the victory was for the club and the people of Kwara State.
“We needed the Cup more than Abakaliki,” Sanni said during his post-match press conference. “For more than 40 years, we’ve been trying to win this title. Everyone from Kwara was here in Lagos, and right now back home, there will be wild celebrations.”
Kwara’s Long-Awaited Triumph
The journey to the title has been a long and emotional one for Kwara United. Despite consistent participation in the domestic cup competition since the 1980s, they had never lifted the trophy until now.
The match itself was tense and tactical, with both sides displaying solid defensive organization. Though Kwara created the better chances, including one that hit the post, they could not break the deadlock in 90 minutes.
Sanni expressed surprise at the quality of play shown by Abakaliki FC, especially given the fact they were relegated from the Nigeria National League (NNL) this season.
“We didn’t know Abakaliki were this good,” he admitted. “It’s shocking that such a team went down. They were compact and disciplined throughout the match.”
Abakaliki’s Defensive Game Plan
Despite being the underdogs, Abakaliki FC had captured national attention with their giant-killing run to the final, taking down top-flight sides in earlier rounds. But against Kwara, their conservative approach did not yield success.
“From the first minute, they packed their defence, hoping to take it to penalties,” Sanni explained. “They rarely came out. If our shot that hit the post had gone in, they’d have had to open up, and we’d have punished them.”
Still, the Kwara coach credited Abakaliki’s marking and work rate, saying: “They did man-to-man marking very well. Our players were chased across the pitch.”
Looking Ahead to the Continent
With a continental campaign now looming, Sanni is aware of the need to bolster his squad without compromising their identity.
“We already have a team and our own playing style,” he said. “We won’t dismantle anything, but we’ll look to strengthen in about three areas. We’re not afraid of any team.”
Kwara United’s success is not only a sporting achievement but a symbol of perseverance and community pride. For a club long viewed as nearly-men in Nigerian football, Saturday’s win offers validation and momentum heading into both domestic and continental challenges.
Support From the Fans
The crowd at Mobolaji Johnson Arena featured a large contingent of travelling Kwara fans, whose vocal support helped drive the team on through the tense final.
“You could feel it in the stands,” Sanni noted. “This wasn’t just a team effort — this was a state effort.”
As the celebrations erupt across Kwara State, attention will soon turn to preparation for the Confederation Cup, but for now, the club, its fans, and the entire community are relishing the taste of long-awaited glory.
