FC IfeanyiUbah clinched a first-ever Nigeria Federation Cup after beating Nasarawa United 5-4 on penalties at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Both sides failed to break the deadlock at regulation time before a penalty shootout decided the eventual winners.
At stoppage time, IfeanyiUbah shot stopper, Uche Okafor, pulled off the save of the match when he scrambled a goal-bound effort for corner.
Earlier in the day, River Angels also defeated Bayelsa Queens on 5-3 penalties to win the women’s version of the competition.
“We were gallant in defeat, we gave everything but we were just unlucky,” said Bature Yaro of Nasarawa United.
The two teams began this cup final rather cautiously and it was not until the 16th minute when Nasarawa carved out the first big chance as striker Abdulraham Bashir headed for goal only to be thwarted by intelligent goalkeeper Okafor.
It was really a battle of the midfield with the likes of Esosa Igbinoba of Nasarawa United squaring up against Cameroonian Tamen Medrano.
The Nnewi club, which has attracted players from Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Brazil, Cameroon and Congo and playing in only their second year in the top league, will now represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Football FCIfeanyiUbah wins first ever Federation Cup
