Nasarawa Amazons Football Club of Lafia has secured their spot in the ongoing 2026 President Federation Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sunshine Queens Football Club of Akure in the semi-final held on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, commonly known as the ” Cathedral,” in Achara, Enugu State.
The thrilling encounter was decided in the closing moments by right-back Alani Jumoke, whose stunning stoppage-time strike clinched the win and propelled the Lafia-Based female side into their second consecutive President Federation Cup final.
This was contained in a statement by Adakwu Ochoche Emmanuel, Media Officer, Nasarawa Amazons FC.
The Lafia landladies took the lead in the just 18th minute when Ayatsea Hemba calmly finished off a well-constructed attacking move, giving her team a well-deserved advantage as they dominated the first half, controlling possession and creating several scoring chances , but they were unable to extend their lead before the break.
The Lafia Landladies continued to dictate the tempo of the game, launching wave of attacks and earning numerous set-pieces, including corners and throw ins.
However, a resolute Sunshine Queens defense, along with their goalkeeper, held firm to keep the pressure from their opponents.
At the start of the second half, Coach Christopher Danjuma was compelled to make an early substitution as Odoh Bibiana was withdrawn due to a knee injury, with Ugbala Osinachi stepping in to bolster their attack force.
Further substitutions saw Ogunfuwa Omotoke and Nwoha Confidence replace by Omosuyi Ayowunmi and Jones Imoh as the Amazons searched for a second goal.
Despite their pressure and dominance, Nasarawa Amazons were stunned deep into added time when Sunshine Queens equalized in the 93rd minute through a substitute who unleashed a long-range effort that beat goalkeeper Udoka Unachukwu, to leveling the scoreline at 1-1.
As the match appears to be heading for extra time, Amazons responded immediately. From the restart, with the ball found its way to Alani Jumoke, who noticed the Sunshine Queens goalkeeper slightly off her line, Demonstrated remarkable composure and fired a brilliant shot that sailed past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net, igniting wild celebrations among players and fans of Nasarawa Amazons.
The dramatic win sealed a 2-1 victory and ensuring Nasarawa Amazons reached the President Federation Cup final for the second consecutive year.
Coac Christopher Danjuma: “We thank God; last year we reached the finals of the President Federation Cup, and now we are in the finals again. We believe this will be a great final.
Once again, I thank God for my words. In the Super Six, we finished third. It’s important not to lose concentration; just believe. We know what Heartland Queens can bring to the table.
This win secures Nasarawa Amazons a place in the final of the President Federation Cup where they will battle Heartland Queens Football Club of Owerri in the Women’s final after they defeated Robo Queens Football Club of Lagos 2-1 in the other semi final played in Benin City, Edo State.
The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the Delta State capital will host the grand finale of both the Men’s and Women’s President Federation Cup Competition final on July, 11th 2026.
