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5 interesting facts about today's 2026 President Federation Cup final between El-Kanemi Warriors and Ikorodu City FC  By Yemi Sodeeq 1.A battle between history and a fairytale El-Kanemi Warriors are chasing their fourth President Federation Cup title, having previously won the competition in 1991, 1992, and 2024. Ikorodu City, meanwhile, are playing in their first-ever Federation Cup final, making this the biggest match in the club's history. 2. Experience vs debutants This is El-Kanemi Warriors' second consecutive appearance in the final in three years, while Ikorodu City's remarkable run has seen the Lagos club reach the final for the very first time, setting up a classic clash between seasoned campaigners and ambitious newcomers.9 3.Continental football is at stake The winner will not only lift Nigeria's oldest domestic trophy but will also earn one of Nigeria's ticket to the 2026–27 CAF Confederation Cup, making the final one of the most valuable...

Azeez Yusuf Eyes Second Federation Cup Title with El-Kanemi Warriors as they battle Ikorodu City in Asaba El-Kanemi Warriors defender Azeez Yusuf is determined to etch his name further into the club's history as the Maiduguri side prepares for Saturday's 2026 President Federation Cup final against Ikorodu City at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. Azeez was part of the El-Kanemi Warriors' triumphant 2024 Federation Cup campaign and  is now on the verge of winning a second title with the club in just a few seasons. The young and promising defender was also part of team that secured promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League in the same year. El-Kanemi Warriors head into the final seeking a fourth President Federation Cup crown, with the club aiming to add another chapter to its rich history after lifting the trophy in 1991,1992 and 2024. The clash also presents an opportunity for the Maiduguri outfit to earn a return to continental football. For ...

From CAF Glory to Asaba: FIFA Referee Kassim Abdulsalam To Handle Federation Cup Final By Yemi Sodeeq Nigerian FIFA referee Kassim Abdulsalam will once again take centre stage to officiate the 2026 President Federation Cup final between El-Kanemi Warriors and Ikorodu City on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) named Abdulsalam as the centre referee for the country's biggest domestic cup fixture, reaffirming the confidence in one of Nigeria's most accomplished match officials. According to the official appointments, Abdulsalam will be assisted by Ahmad Tijjani as Assistant Referee I, Emmanuel Omada as Assistant Referee II, while Areweremi Ebineme will serve as the Fourth Official. Hon. Hassan Wada has been appointed Match Commissioner, with Ejoor Dimas serving as the Referee Assessor. The appointment comes on the heels of Abdulsalam's impressive outing at the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he ...

El-Lado CEO Rallies Support for Coach Kabiru Dogo Ahead of Challenge Cup Final Mallam Tunji Muhammad, the Chief Executive Officer of El-Lado Motors and El-Lado Bottle Water, has declared his unwavering support for El-Kanemi Warriors Technical Adviser, ahead of Saturday's President Federation (Challenge) Cup final against Ikorodu City. Muhammad, a respected businessman, football enthusiast and philanthropist based in Asaba, described the Ilorin-born coach as a worthy ambassador of Kwara State whose success would bring pride to the state and its people. Speaking in a statement released on the eve of the final at the , the El-Lado boss expressed optimism that Dogo can guide the Maiduguri-based side to victory. He noted that it would be a memorable achievement if Dogo follows in the footsteps of fellow Ilorin-born coach , who led to their historic cup triumph last year. "It will be a thing of joy if Coach Kabiru Dogo can continue the tradition by lifting the tro...

Coach Lukman Orire Celebrates Obazz FC Founder Patrick Johnson Obaze on Birthday Head Coach of Obazz FC, Lukman Orire, has paid glowing tribute to the founder and proprietor of the Ijebu Ode-based football club, Mr. Patrick Johnson Obaze, on the occasion of his birthday. In a heartfelt birthday message, Coach Orire described Mr. Obaze as a visionary football administrator whose unwavering commitment to youth development and grassroots football has continued to inspire many young players and coaches. He commended the club founder for his passion, sacrifice and investment in nurturing talented footballers, noting that Obazz FC has become a platform where aspiring players are given the opportunity to pursue their dreams. "On behalf of the coaching crew, players and the entire Obazz FC family, I celebrate our founder, Mr. Patrick Johnson Obaze, on this special occasion of his birthday. Your vision, leadership and relentless support have been the driving force behind th...

Bago/Sani 313 Prosperity/Unity Cup football competition draws conducted By Abubakar Hassan The Niger State Sports Commission (NSSC), in collaboration with the State Soccer Vanguard, has conducted the draws for the maiden edition of the Bago/Sani 313 Prosperity/Unity Cup football competition. The tournament, an inter-local government football competition, will feature teams from all nine local government areas in the Niger East Senatorial District, namely Bosso, Chanchaga, Gurara, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Shiroro, Suleja, and Tafa. Speaking during the draws on Tuesday, the General Coordinator of the tournament and Vice Chairman of Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna, Alhaji Usman Garba, stated that the event is not politically motivated, despite being sponsored by a politician. He noted that while football and politics often intersect, the organizers are committed to keeping politics out of the game due to its sensitive nature. He added that the tournament is organized to ap...