El-Kanemi Warriors booked a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 President Federation Cup after defeating Akwa United 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The keenly contested encounter saw both teams battle for supremacy in midfield, with clear-cut scoring opportunities at a premium for much of the game.
Akwa United threatened early when Gotom Daniel delivered a dangerous cross into the box in the seventh minute, but the chance went begging. The Promise Keepers continued to probe and earned a free-kick in a promising position midway through the first half, but El-Kanemi’s defence remained resolute.
Despite several attacking moves from both sides, neither team could find a breakthrough before the interval as the first half ended goalless.
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The deadlock was eventually broken in the 71st minute when El-Kanemi Warriors capitalised on a set-piece. Risilanu Ismail floated in a free-kick from the right flank, and the delivery found its way into the net to hand the Borno-based side the advantage.
Akwa United responded strongly and restored parity seven minutes from time. Ubong Sunday rose above the defence to head home from a free-kick, bringing the scoreline to 1-1 and setting up a tense finish.
With neither side able to find a winner before the final whistle, the contest was decided by penalties.
In the shootout, El-Kanemi Warriors held their nerve, converting four of their spot-kicks. Although both goalkeepers made saves, Akwa United failed to convert two of their attempts, allowing El-Kanemi to seal a 4-3 victory and progress to the next round.
Akwa United head coach, Paul Offor, said missed opportunities and poor execution in the penalty shootout cost his side a place in the last 16.
“It was a good game and both teams competed well. We created chances but failed to take them, and that ultimately worked against us. Our penalty kicks were also not good enough,” he said.
Offor noted that the club was still rebuilding following its relegation to the Nigeria National League, expressing confidence that the team would improve next season.
El-Kanemi Warriors coach, Kabiru Dogo, praised his players for their determination despite travelling difficulties ahead of the fixture.
“We arrived in Abuja very early this morning because of logistics challenges, but the players remained focused and gave their best. Both teams played well, and I am proud of the commitment shown by my players,” he said.
El-Kanemi Warriors will now await the outcome of other fixtures to know their opponents in the Round of 16 as the competition gathers momentum.
