NPFL sides Bayelsa United and Ikorodu City – were dethroned as State FA Cup Champions after defeats on penalties to Krosaders and Inter Lagos respectively, reports www.aclsports.com.
Bayelsa United came into the Bayelsa State final as overwhelming favourites, but after it finished 2-2 in regulation time; it was the Academy boys that triumphed 4-2 on penalties to clinch the trophy. Similarly, back-to-back champions Ikorodu City lost 5-4 to Inter Lagos on penalties after it finished goalless in the Lagos State Final on Sunday.
In Oyo State, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) claimed the trophy after beating second-division side Crown FC 4-2 on penalties after it ended goalless in regulation time. Mustapha Lawal, who came on for Chinedu Anozie just before the shoot-out, saved two spot-kicks to continue his strong form this season. In Imo State, Suraju Lawal scored a brace to help Heartland beat OISA FC 2-0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
After a goalless affair, Atlantic FA edged Harmony FA on penalties in the Niger State final played at the Bako Kontangora Stadium in Minna. Nine-time NPFL champions Enyimba were beaten on penalties in the Abia State Final for the second year running by Ahudiyannem FC at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Kwara United continued to reign supreme in Kwara State as they defeated ABS on penalties in the final on Sunday.
In Benue State, NPFL bottom side Lobi Stars defeated Flight FC 2-1 to secure the trophy. John Mark opened the scoring with a beautiful freekick, while Terese Foga equalized for Flight FC minutes before the break. Samuel Tiza scored the winning goal just eight minutes after the break. Meanwhile, Dandid Babes beat Lautai 2-0 in the Jigawa State final.
Former NPFL champions Rivers United needed penalties to beat Wilbros FC in the Rivers State final played on Saturday. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), penalties were also needed to determine the winners as FWC FC beat EFCC in Abuja. In Enugu and Nasarawa States, it was straightforward wins for Rangers and Nasarawa United against Ijele FC and Basira respectively. Struggling NPFL side Akwa United also edged Eagle Eye FA 1-0 in the Akwa Ibom State final. Akande Ibrahim scored the only goal.
In the clash of the Creative Championship League teams, Imperial FC defeated Beyond Limits on penalties to win the Ogun State FA Cup for the first time. Wahab Hassan handed Beyond Limits the lead before Imperial scored twice through Bashir Abdulkareem and Aremo David to go in front. With seconds left to play, Peter Celestine slammed home the equalizer to send the entertaining final to penalties which the Odogbolu side eventually won. In Osun State, Igbajo United defeated Osun United 1-0 to win the trophy.
In Anambra State, Edel FC beat fellow second-division side Solution FC on penalties to win the trophy. Sunshine Stars also beat Sunshine Stars U19 on penalties to secure the Ondo State FA Cup title. In Ekiti State, NOSMAS beat COPDEM 1-0, and it was the same outcome between Katsina United and Junior Danburam in Katsina State with the NPFL side coming out on top. In Ebonyi, Abakaliki FC beat Cynosure 1-0 in the final.
In Kano State, Kano Pillars beat Barau FC 3-2 in an entertaining contest that saw Ahmed Musa feature for Sai Masu Gida. Hadi Mohammed scored a hat-trick for the NPFL side against the second-division club. Zamfara United beat their Feeders 1-0 in the Zamfara State final. In Kaduna State, Simoiben FA lost to Green Beret again in the final decided on penalties. Meanwhile, Yobe Desert Stars thumped Gujiba Academy 9-1 in the Yobe State final.
Other results: Plateau United beat Mighty Jet Feeders 2-0 in the Plateau State Final, Warri Wolves also beat De Sapele Lions 2-1 in the Delta State final, and Gombe United defeated El-Shama FC 3-1 in the Gombe State final. In Edo State, it was an easy win for Bendel Insurance who thumped Assemblies of God 3-0 in the final.
All state finalists including the FCT will play in the President Federation Cup. Additionally, the National Play-Off for this year’s competition is scheduled for March 5, with the National Draw taking place one week later. The Rounds of 64, 32, and 16 are set for March 19, April 2, and April 16, 2025, respectively.
