The Enyimba Stadium in the renowned commercial city of Aba is the setting for Saturday’s President Federation Cup semi-final clash between multiple winners Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt and Ibom Angels of Uyo.
Rivers Angels have dominated the women’s version of the competition that has been known by various names over the decades (FA Cup, Federation Cup) before the rechristening as President Federation Cup last year. While Ufuoma Babes, Pelican Stars (both defunct) and Delta Queens took turns to dominate in the early years, Rivers Angels have been by far the superior team over the past 15 years.
Warri-based Ufuoma Babes were champions four times (1992-1994, 1996), while Pelican Stars of Calabar won in 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002. Delta Queens smiled home with the trophy in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2009 – their hegemony broken only by Nasarawa Amazons in 2005.
Rivers Angels re-defined domination when they won between 2010 and 2014, and after Sunshine Queens took the 2015 title, continued their glory run through 2016 to 2018. In 2019, Nasarawa Amazons, who had beaten Ibom Angels in the semi finals, defeated Rivers Angels in a colourful final in Kaduna. After losing the 2023 final to Bayelsa Queens following a penalty shootout in Asaba, the Angels from Port Harcourt pipped Naija Ratels 1-0 in last year’s final in Lagos to reclaim the trophy.
On Saturday, the Cup holders will have their work cut out against nifty Ibom Angels in what is a repeat of the 2017 and 2018 Final matches, which Rivers Angels won on both occasions.
In the second semi final, Edo Queens will take on 2005 and 2019 champions Nasarawa Amazons in what promises to be an explosive session in Kogi State’s university town, Ayingba.
To reach this stage, Rivers Angels defeated Moje Queens in the Round of 32 in Benin City, routed First Mahi Babes 5-0 in the Round of 16 and edged determined Remo Stars Ladies 3-1 on penalties in the quarter finals after both were tied 1-1 in regulation time. Ibom Angels halted Rivers State’s other flag-bearer Sporting Angels in the Round of 32, then saw off Delta Queens and Heartland Queens in subsequent rounds.
Edo Queens eliminated Kada Queens in the Round of 32 and then bumped Osun Babes and Unification Ladies, while Nasarawa Amazons saw off Kwara Ladies in the Round of 32, before eliminating 2021 and 2023 winners Bayelsa Queens in the Round of 16, and Sunshine Queens in the quarter finals.
Semi Finals (Women)
Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Ibom Angels (Akwa Ibom) – Aba – 24/05/25 – 1pm
Edo Queens (Edo) Vs Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) – Ayingba – 24/05/25 – 1pm
MEN’S FINAL
ABAKALIKI FC VS KWARA UNITED
Results of Semi Finals (Men)
Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi) 0-0 Ikorodu City (Lagos) – Abakaliki FC win 5-4 on penalties
Kwara United (Kwara) 1-0 Rangers Int’l (Enugu)
