The stage is set at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, as El-Kanemi Warriors and Ikorodu City clash in the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup on Saturday.
Former champions El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri will be making their fifth appearance in the final, while Ikorodu City of Lagos have reached the final of Nigeria’s oldest domestic cup competition for the first time.
Both teams head into the encounter with the same objective but contrasting histories. El-Kanemi Warriors are chasing a fourth Federation Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1991, 1992 and 2024. Ikorodu City, on the other hand, are seeking their maiden triumph.
Beyond the trophy, the winner will also secure Nigeria’s second ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup alongside Shooting Stars of Ibadan.
The final also presents both clubs with an opportunity to end the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on a positive note. Ikorodu City narrowly missed out on a continental ticket after losing their place to Shooting Stars on the final day of the league season, while El-Kanemi Warriors suffered relegation after finishing among the bottom four teams.
Ikorodu City booked their place in the final by defeating Nasarawa United 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Benin City. El-Kanemi Warriors, meanwhile, secured a 3-1 victory over Wikki Tourists in Katsina to reach the title decider.
Road to the Final
Round of 64
- El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Crusaders
- Ikorodu City 4-0 GAA Akanbi
Round of 32
- El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Akwa United (won 5-4 on penalties)
- Ikorodu City 2-0 Jigawa Golden Stars
Round of 16
- El-Kanemi Warriors 3-3 Bendel Insurance (won 8-7 on penalties)
- Ikorodu City 1-1 Enyimba (won 5-4 on penalties)
Quarter-finals
- El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Sokoto United
- Ikorodu City 2-2 Barau FC (won 5-4 on penalties)
Semi-finals
- El-Kanemi Warriors 3-1 Wikki Tourists
- Ikorodu City 1-1 Nasarawa United (won 5-4 on penalties)
