President Federation Cup: Former champions Warriors, Tourists at war in Katsina
..Nasarawa United return to venue of their defeat in the 2021 Final
The Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in the city of Katsina is venue for the much-anticipated President Federation Cup semi-final encounter between former champions El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi on Wednesday.
The ‘Warriors’ from Borno State won Nigeria’s most-glamorous domestic football trophy in 1991 and 1992, defeating Kano Pillars 3-2 in the 1991 final and Stationery Stores by a lone goal the following year.
The Maiduguri kings also emerged champions two years ago, when exciting midfielder Nasiru Salihu’s heroics pushed the team to the final and past Abia Warriors on a sultry afternoon at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Wikki Tourists’ only previous triumph came in 1998, when they edged Plateau United after a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw in regulation time at the Rancher’s Bees Stadium in Kaduna.
Plateau United would go on to claim their only title in the competition the following year, after a lone-goal defeat of Iwuanyanwu Nationale at the National Stadium, Lagos.
The atmosphere could be combustible as both former champions seek a place in this year’s grand finale. Wikki Tourists have accounted for Jigawa Golden Stars Jnr, former winners Bayelsa United, Kada Warriors and Flight FC on their way to reaching the last four.
On their part, three-time champions El-Kanemi Warriors turned back Krusaders FC, Akwa United, Bendel Insurance and Sokoto United.
The second semi fina
The boys from Lagos agonisingly fell at the same stage in last year’s competition, losing 4-5 after a penalty shootout to Abakaliki FC, following a scoreless encounter.
However, not only have Ikorodu City retained their Nigeria Premier Football League status this year, they came very close to earning a continental ticket, losing it to Shooting Stars of Ibadan on the final day of the season.
The team’s management insists the boys are determined to make up for that loss by winning the President Federation Cup, which will also take them to the continent.
Nasarawa United, defeated on penalty shootout in the 2021 grand finale at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City by Bayelsa United (on a day that Bayelsa State claimed a double, with Bayelsa Queens also defeating FC Robo Queens in the women’s final), return to that familiar ground with a determination to sing a different song at the final whistle.
This year, the ‘Solid Miners’ glided past Westgate FC, Ejigbo City, Rivers United and Plateau United to reach this stage, while Ikorodu City claimed the scalps of Gaa Akanbi, Jigawa Golden Stars, two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC and Barau FC.
