Kwara United Yet to Receive N50m Federation Cup Prize as 2026 Finalists Emerge

Defending President Federation Cup champions Kwara United are yet to receive the N50 million prize money promised for winning the 2025 edition of the competition, despite the emergence of finalists for the 2026 tournament.

The Harmony Boys defeated Abakaliki FC 4-3 on penalties in Lagos last year to lift Nigeria’s oldest football trophy. However, one year after their triumph, the Ilorin-based club is still awaiting the financial reward attached to their victory.

Sources close to the club disclosed that there has been no communication from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the outstanding payment.

According to a club source, players and officials have had to move on and focus on football despite the prolonged delay in receiving the promised prize money.

While the payment issue remains unresolved, attention has now shifted to the 2026 President Federation Cup final, scheduled for July 11 in Asaba.

Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors secured their places in the men’s final after impressive semi-final performances.

At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Ikorodu City defeated Nasarawa United 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The victory extended Nasarawa United’s unfortunate record in penalty shootouts in the competition.

Meanwhile, three-time champions El-Kanemi Warriors booked a second consecutive final appearance with a convincing 3-1 victory over Wikki Tourists in Katsina.

In the women’s category, Heartland Queens will face Nasarawa Amazons in the final.

Heartland Queens reached the final for the first time in their history after defeating FC Robo Queens 2-1 in Benin City, while Nasarawa Amazons secured a second successive final appearance with a 2-1 victory over Sunshine Queens in Enugu.

The development has cast a shadow over preparations for this year’s final, with questions emerging over the delayed payment of prize money to the defending champions.