)
Observations and lessons learnt from the 2024 President Federation Cup finals that saw El-Kanemi Warriors and Rivers Angels crowned as new champions.
The 2024 President Federation Cup has come and gone with two new kings and queens crowned after keenly competitive finals.
In the men's category, El-Kanemi Warriors were too good for Abia Warriors as they ended a 32-year wait to lift the FA Cup, while in the women's category, Rivers Angels saw off Naija Ratels to also end their six-year drought.
)
09:12 - 29.06.2024
FA Cup Final: Rivers Angels target historic 9th title as Abia Warriors eye first-ever major silverware vs El-Kanemi
NPFL club Abia Warriors face the experienced El-Kanemi Warriors in search of a first-ever FA Cup title win.
PAY ATTENTION: Join Pulse Sports Nigeria WhatsApp Channel link
But what else did we observe or learn from the President Federation Cup finals? Here are five of them...
1. No Water Breaks for the Women
In a match that kicked off at 1 pm under the hot sun with the temperature at 88 degrees at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, the Angels and Ratels were made to play through it without necessary water breaks to cool off.
)
Not only were the ladies made to play under extreme heat, but the officials ignored the need for water breaks to allow them to dehydrate properly. Outrageous!
Experience reigns supreme
The President Federation Cup finals proved that experience can be everything in the end. El-Kanemi had been without the FA Cup for 32 years, while this was Abia Warriors’ first time at that stage of the competition.
)
This was also the case for the women as record winners Rivers Angels took on the newbies Naija Ratels. In the end, El-Kanemi claimed a third win with the Angels from Rivers taking home their ninth title - a record-extending victory.
El-Kanemi show what to expect in the NPFL
If there was something to take from the pulsating battle of the warriors in the men's final, it is the style of football the team from Borno delivered.
)
El-Kanemi have been away from the topflight for a while but will return next season after navigating their way back with the promotion in the NNL.
Under the guidance of Aliyu Zubairu, who put his faith in youth, El-Kanemi served one of the best performances recorded in recent history as they outclassed and outplayed Premier League challenger, Abia Warriors, to show a tip of what to expect from them next season in the topflight.
Standout performers
For both finals, it was an interesting show of class and talents, but despite some individual brilliance, Nasiru Salihu, Olamide Adugbe, Blessing Okpe and Ali Ishaku entertained the fans.
)
Salihu, El-Kanemi's hero, was the obvious star of the day after his brace. Having missed a penalty earlier on in the game, the youngster made amends in some style with a fantastic double to redeem himself.
In the first final, Okpe fired the decisive penalty to hand Rivers Angels the glory. However, for the Angels, midfielder, Olamide, was the standout player until she was forced off due to an injury in the second half.
)
Award impersonation
Something special happened after the men's final between El-Kanemi Warriors and Abia Warriors.
Call it a mistake or impersonation, but El Kanemi's goalkeeper George Abine received the golden glove award meant for the Abia Warriors goalkeeper Ali Ishaku and took pictures with it like the winner in what was a bizarre way to end the President Federation Cup.
Related content
09:12 - 29.06.2024
FA Cup Final: Rivers Angels target historic 9th title as Abia Warriors eye first-ever major silverware vs El-Kanemi
NPFL club Abia Warriors face the experienced El-Kanemi Warriors in search of a first-ever FA Cup title win.
)
09:02 - 30.03.2024
FA Cup: Miracle worker Desouza scores five as 10-star Warriors set up Enyimba final
Antoine Desouza and Abia Warriors overwhelmed Miracle to set up Enyimba in the State FA Cup.
)
11:06 - 14.03.2024
Hope-ful Obi ends 17-match winless streak after derby delight for Heartland
Heartland FC have celebrated a first win under Christian Obi since their promotion to the NPFL.
)
11:08 - 26.11.2023
Rangers Int'l: Flying Antelopes invade Abia State in stunning traditional dress for Oriental Derby
Rangers International are guests to Abia Warriors in another Oriental Derby in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
)
15:40 - 29.06.2024
Rivers Angels end six-year FA Cup drought: Claim N25 million as prize for Naija Ratels win
Rivers Angels remain the queens of the FA Cup after seeing off a spirited Naija Ratels in the final of the President Federation Cup.
)
12:52 - 28.06.2024
Olamide Adugbe sends big warning to Naija Ratels ahead of Federation Cup final
Rivers Angels and Naija Ratels will battle for Gold in the women's final on Saturday, June 29th.
)
12:20 - 28.06.2024
Rivers Angels and Naija Ratels blow hot ahead of Federation Cup final
The women's final will start at 1 pm on Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, followed by the men's final at 4 pm.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)