Kwara United FC of Ilorin Kwara state made history for winning this year’s Federation Cup, defeating the so called giant killers, Abakaliki FC through penalty shootouts after a barren draw in regulations time in the final played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
By this feat, Kwara United has done Kwara state proud by lifting the prestigious trophy for Kwara state for the first time.
This victory go a long way to complement Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak commitment to sports development in the state and his support to the team
The sports loving Governor was at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena venue of the epic final to support the team.
It was a disappointing story for Abakaliki who stopped most of their opponents on their way to the final through penalty shootouts.
The tension soaked encounter started on a brilliant note as Kwara United took the initiative dictating the pace with their tactical approach building their attack from the rear pressing their opponent to their half.
Abakaliki FC who are popularly known as the giant killers in this year’s competition due to their exploits so far which took them to this year’s epic final.
The Enonyi side who plays in the Nigeria second tier League earned the name giant killers haven eliminated big teams like Enyimba FC, Abia Warriors, Nasarawa United, and Ikorodu City in the elite league in the build up to this final against Kwara United.
The second half resumed with serious fire works from both sides as they seek vital the lead.
Abakaliki FC came into the second stanza more determined to prove their exploits to this level was not a fluke.
Even then Kwara United continued to mount the pressure but the stubborn Enonyi side were able to soak pressure to end of the regulation time in a barren draw for penalty shootouts.
The tension shootouts favoured resilient Kwara United who sent the Enonyi home disappointed as the Harmony boys were victorious by 4-3.
In the Women edition, which preceded the final, Rivers Angeles defeated their Nasarawa state counterparts, the Nasarawa Amazons also on penalty shootouts.
