Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has praised Nigeria National League (NNL) side Abakaliki FC for their historic achievement in the President Federation Cup.
Abakaliki FC triumphed 5-4 on penalties over Ikorodu City in the semi-final at the Bwari Stadium in Abuja on Wednesday, securing a place in the final. On their journey to the semi-finals, the Ebonyi-based club eliminated top-flight teams like Enyimba, Rivers United, and Nasarawa United.
Elegbeleye expressed his admiration for Abakaliki FC’s performance, particularly their composure during the penalty shootout. “What we’ve seen is the true beauty of the Federation Cup,” Elegbeleye said in an interview with NNL media. “Abakaliki FC played with heart, and their calmness under pressure during the shootout was impressive. This also reinforces that the NNL is not just a feeder league, but a key part of Nigerian football development.”
Abakaliki FC will now face Kwara United in the final of the competition.
