Preview: President Federation Cup Semi Finals

By Taiwo Adeyinka

The semifinal fixtures of the ongoing President Federation Cup have been confirmed with the time, date, and venue yet to be disclosed by the NFF.

The semi-finals promise intense matches as formidable teams face off. The quarter-finals saw El Kanemi Warriors, Kebbi United FC, Kano Pillars FC, and Abia Warriors FC advance to the semi-finals.

El Kanemi Warriors are set to play against Kebbi United FC in a match that looks to be heated. El Kanemi Warriors advanced after defeating Inter Lagos 2-1, Shooting Stars 1-0 in extra time, and Adanimogo FC 2-0 in the previous rounds. Kebbi United FC, however, had a goalless draw against EFCC FC in the quarter-finals, winning 4-3 on penalties. In the round of 16, they won 1-0 against Akwa United.

Abia Warriors will face Kano Pillars FC in another intense encounter. Both teams reached the semi-finals via penalty shootouts after 1-1 draws in the quarter-finals. Abia Warriors conceded just one goal in the shootout, while Kano Pillars conceded four. Kano Pillars have scored four goals in regular play throughout the competition: 1-1 in the round of 64, 1-0 in the round of 32, 1-1 in the round of 16, and 1-1 in the quarter-finals.

Abia Warriors FC started strongly with a 4-2 win against Ilaji in Benin City in the round of 64, followed by a 1-0 win against Sporting Supreme in the round of 32. They won 4-3 on penalties against Kwara United after a 1-1 draw in the round of 16, and they secured a 5-1 penalty shootout win against Sokoto United after another 1-1 draw in the quarter-finals. Abia Warriors FC has scored seven goals in regular play throughout the competition.

The competition has been a knockout series from the start, and the battle is fierce to see which team will qualify to represent Nigeria at the upcoming CAF Confederations Cup.