By IFEANYI OLANNYE

El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri defeated Ikorodu City 1-0 on Saturday to win the 2026 President Federation Cup at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

The Maiduguri club secured victory through a first-half goal, which ultimately separated both sides after an intense and closely fought final.

El-Kanemi dominated possession throughout much of the encounter, dictating play and preventing Ikorodu City from establishing any sustained attacking rhythm.

In spite of creating several promising openings, Ikorodu City failed to capitalise as El-Kanemi’s disciplined defence stood resolute until the final whistle.

The winners displayed composure and tactical discipline, frustrating their Lagos opponents while protecting their slender advantage against persistent second-half pressure.

Ikorodu City increased attacking intensity after the interval, but wasteful finishing and determined defending denied them a deserved equaliser.

The victory earned El-Kanemi Warriors Nigeria’s most prestigious domestic cup, crowning an impressive campaign with silverware and national recognition.

The triumph also secured another significant milestone in the club’s history, reinforcing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s respected football institutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that El-Kanemi Warriors celebrated jubilantly after the final whistle, marking another memorable achievement in Nigeria’s oldest domestic football competition.

“This victory reflects our determination, discipline and collective spirit throughout the competition,” an El-Kanemi official said after the final whistle.

“Our players gave everything, but we could not convert our chances. We will learn from this defeat and return stronger,” an Ikorodu City official said. (NAN)

•PHOTO: El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri on Saturday emerge champions of the 2026 President Federation Cup at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba

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