*To place Abakaliki FC in the finals
Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin today, Wednesday May 21, 2025, secured a spot in the final of the 2025 Federation Cup, after defeating Rangers International of Enugu by a lone goal in the semi-final decided at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
The victory marked a monumental return to the final stage for a Kwara team, after nearly five decades of their first appearance, in 1976, through a privately managed club, Alyuf Salam Rocks.
The team, being financed then by a business tycoon, late Alhaji Yusuf Salami, bulldozed their way to the final, which they lost by 2-0 to the same team, Rangers International of Enugu.
Then, they fell to a formidable Rangers International of Enugu team led by legendary Captain of the team and of the senior national team, late Christian Chukwu, in the nation’s oldest and most prestigious football competition, formerly known as the Challenge Cup.
Today, history favoured Kwara United, as they defeated the same Rangers International by 1-0 in a tightly contested semi-final in Lagos.
The solitary 51 minutes goal by Wasiu Alalade separated both teams, and was enough to seal Kwara United ‘s passage into the grand finale against Abakaliki United, sparking jubilant scenes among fans who had waited 49 years for this moment.
The victory not only avenged the 1976 heartbreak, but also symbolizes the growth and resilience of Kwara United over the decades. They now await their opponent in the final, with high hopes of lifting the coveted trophy for the first time.
Abakaliki United of Aba defeated Ikorodu City of Lagos 4-3 on penalties, to pick the second final slot.
The Harmony Boys missed several goal scoring chances, especially in the first half, with Yahaya Ibrahim and Wasiu Alalade both coming close to giving Kwara the lead.
Rangers turned up the pressure in the dying minutes of the match, but a series of crucial saves by goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso ensured Kwara United held firm to book their place in the final.
Head Coach Tunde Sanni was elated at leading the club to their first Cup final in 49 years, vowing that they will not underestimate Abakaliki FC in the decisive clash.
“We’ve worked so hard to get here, and we will give it our all in the final,” he said.
Rangers International Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu said that Kwara United deserved the victory over his team.
