Ikorodu City have booked their place in the 2026 President Federation Cup final after edging Nasarawa United 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, setting up a title showdown against El-Kanemi Warriors.

Sports247 reports that the semifinal encounter produced plenty of drama as both sides battled fiercely for a place in the final. Ikorodu City struck first through Ibrahim Ayola, who found the back of the net in the 11th minute to give his side an early advantage.

Nasarawa United responded before the interval when Bright Amadi equalised in the 41st minute, restoring parity and ensuring the teams went into the break level.

Despite several attempts from both sides in the second half, neither team could find a winning goal, forcing the contest to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Ikorodu City held their nerve from the spot, converting their chances to secure a 4-2 victory on penalties and eliminate Nasarawa United from this year’s competition.

In the other semifinal, El-Kanemi Warriors produced an impressive display to defeat Wikki Tourists 3-1 at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium and secure their own place in the final.

Bashar Musa handed El-Kanemi an early lead in just the second minute before D. AbdulRahman doubled the advantage in the 11th minute.

The dominant first-half performance continued as I. Muktar added a third goal in the 42nd minute, putting the Warriors firmly in control before the interval.

Wikki Tourists managed to pull one back through I. Bala, who converted a penalty kick, but it proved to be little more than a consolation as El-Kanemi comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest to advance.

The results set the stage for an intriguing 2026 President Federation Cup final between Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors.

Both teams have demonstrated resilience and quality throughout the tournament and will now have the opportunity to compete for one of the most prestigious trophies in Nigerian domestic football.

With a place in history at stake, football fans can expect a fiercely contested final as Ikorodu City seek to continue their remarkable run and El-Kanemi Warriors aim to cap their impressive campaign with silverware.

The post Ikorodu City Set Up President Federation Cup Final Clash with El-Kanemi Warriors first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Ikorodu City Set Up President Federation Cup Final Clash with El-Kanemi Warriors appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Nigerian attacker John Lawani has wasted no time making his mark in East Timor, enjoying an impressive start to life with Emmanuel FC following his move from Sri Lankan side ST Mary’s.

READ ALSO: Meet Agboola Oluwadamilola John, The FEDAN FC Midfielder Who Models His Game After Kevin De Bruyne 

Sports247 reports that the promising forward has quickly announced himself in the Liga Futebol Amadora Primeira Divisão, scoring two goals in his opening two appearances for Emmanuel FC.

His early displays have showcased his attacking instincts, composure in front of goal, and ability to adapt seamlessly to a new environment.

Lawani’s bright start is a continuation of the fine form he displayed during his spell in Sri Lanka. Representing ST Mary’s in the Championship Division II, the Nigerian emerged as one of the team’s standout performers, scoring nine goals in just 12 appearances.

His contributions proved instrumental in ST Mary’s successful promotion campaign, helping the club secure a place in the Sri Lanka Super League, the nation’s top-flight competition.

The impressive goal return also underlined his reputation as a reliable finisher capable of delivering in crucial moments.

Seeking a fresh challenge, Lawani opted for a move to Emmanuel FC, where he has already begun to repay the club’s faith with goals and energetic performances.

His seamless transition to football in East Timor has provided encouragement for both the coaching staff and supporters, who will be hoping his scoring touch continues throughout the campaign.

At just the beginning of his journey with Emmanuel FC, the Nigerian forward appears well positioned to become a key figure in the club’s attacking setup.

His pace, movement, and eye for goal have already made him a difficult opponent for defenders, while his confidence in front of goal has been evident in his opening matches.

For Nigerian football fans, Lawani’s early success abroad is another example of homegrown talent making an impact on the international stage.

His performances in both Sri Lanka and now East Timor reflect a player steadily building a reputation for consistency and productivity in front of goal.

If his current form is any indication, Emmanuel FC could have secured one of the league’s most exciting attacking talents, with John Lawani poised to play a significant role in the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.

The post Nigerian Forward John Lawani Hits the Ground Running with Emmanuel FC in East Timor first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Nigerian Forward John Lawani Hits the Ground Running with Emmanuel FC in East Timor appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Calm on the ball, intelligent with his movement and fearless in possession, Agboola Oluwadamilola John carried himself with the confidence of a player who knows exactly where he wants to be in the future.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Striker Toyosi Olusanya Completes Permanent Move to Aberdeen on Two-Year Deal

At the bustling NLO Stadium in Lagos, where dreams are tested under pressure and every touch of the ball matters, he quietly stood out among the rest.

Representing FEDAN FC, the talented attacking midfielder spoke with Sports247 after another demanding outing in the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), sharing the story of his humble beginnings, football journey and the inspiration behind his style of play.

Like many Nigerian footballers, Agboola’s journey started on the streets of Lagos, where football was more than just a game — it was a way of life.

“I started my football career on the streets of Lagos while playing local football in Oto Awori,” he recalled with a smile.

From dusty neighborhood pitches to organized football, the transition was not immediate, but destiny found its way through friendship.

According to the midfielder, his journey to FEDAN FC came through a close friend known as Otenkun, who was already part of the club setup.

“I got to FEDAN through my friend, Otenkun, who was then a player of the club. He told me about the team and I decided to give club football a try,” he explained.

That decision would eventually shape his growth as a footballer. Since joining FEDAN FC, Agboola believes his understanding of the game has matured beyond just talent and flair.

“Playing with FEDAN and growing through the ranks has taught me how to adapt to different situations on the pitch. Football is more than just a game of 90 minutes,” he said.

The young midfielder also revealed the player who inspires his game most — Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne.

From vision to composure and creativity in midfield, Agboola studies the Belgian closely and hopes to mirror those qualities in his own game.

“I have always admired top attacking midfielders, especially Kevin De Bruyne because of his composure and ability on the ball,” he stated.

Despite the physical demands and fierce competition in the NLO, Agboola has embraced the realities of Nigerian grassroots football.

He described the league as a battle where every point must be earned with discipline and concentration.

“Sometimes it doesn’t matter how you win games because those three points are very hard to get. You can be having a very good game and just one slight mistake can take the points away,” he noted.

With ambition burning strongly inside him, the FEDAN FC midfielder is already dreaming beyond local football.

He believes that with consistency, hard work and the right opportunities, he can reach the highest level of the game within the next few years.

“I believe that in the next couple of years, with my ability and the right contacts, I should be playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Agboola declared confidently.

“I know where I am coming from, and I know where I want to be. Every game for FEDAN FC is another step closer to my dream of playing at the highest level of world football.” — Agboola Oluwadamilola John said.

The post Meet Agboola Oluwadamilola John, The FEDAN FC Midfielder Who Models His Game After Kevin De Bruyne  first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Meet Agboola Oluwadamilola John, The FEDAN FC Midfielder Who Models His Game After Kevin De Bruyne  appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.