President Federation Cup semi-finalists set for showdown

The race for a place in the 2026 President Federation Cup final reaches a crucial stage on Wednesday as Ikorodu City face Nasarawa United while Wikki Tourists battle El-Kanemi Warriors in the semi-finals, The PUNCH reports.

Former champions El-Kanemi Warriors and Wikki Tourists will square off at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina in a clash between two teams with rich histories in Nigeria’s oldest domestic cup competition.

El-Kanemi are three-time winners of the competition, having lifted the trophy in 1991, 1992 and most recently in 2024. The Maiduguri-based side defeated Kano Pillars 3-2 in the 1991 final before edging Stationery Stores 1-0 a year later, while Nasiru Salihu inspired them to another triumph two years ago with victory over Abia Warriors in Lagos.

Wikki Tourists, meanwhile, are seeking a return to the final for the first time since winning their only title in 1998. The Bauchi club defeated Plateau United on penalties after a goalless draw in Kaduna to claim their sole Federation Cup crown.

Both teams have enjoyed impressive runs to the last four. Wikki eliminated Jigawa Golden Stars Jnr, Bayelsa United, Kada Warriors and Flight FC, while El-Kanemi dispatched Krusaders FC, Akwa United, Bendel Insurance and Sokoto United on their way to the semi-finals.

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The second semi-final will hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, where Nasarawa United take on ambitious Nigeria Premier Football League side Ikorodu City.

Ikorodu City suffered heartbreak at this stage last year after losing on penalties to eventual finalists Abakaliki FC following a goalless draw. However, the Lagos club have bounced back strongly, securing their NPFL status and narrowly missing out on a continental ticket on the final day of the league season. They have reached the last four after victories over Gaa Akanbi, Jigawa Golden Stars, Enyimba and Barau FC.

Nasarawa United, runners-up in 2021 after losing to Bayelsa United on penalties in Benin City, will be hoping to go one step further this time.

The Solid Miners have overcome Westgate FC, Ejigbo City, Rivers United and Plateau United to reach the semi-finals and are now within touching distance of a return to the final.

With continental qualification and a place in the final at stake, all four teams will be aiming to keep their Federation Cup dreams alive when they take to the pitch on Wednesday.