By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Abakaliki Football Club has moved into the semi-finals of the 2025 Federation Cup after defeating Nasarawa FC in a penalty shootout on Saturday, May 3, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The quarter-final match ended 1-1 at full time. Nasarawa FC scored first toward the end of the first half, while Abakaliki FC responded with an equalizer early in the second half. Both teams pushed hard for a winning goal, but the match stayed level until the final whistle.
As required by the rules, the game went into penalty kicks. Each team scored four out of their five attempts, leading to another tie. The match was then decided by sudden death penalties. Nasarawa FC missed their first shot, while Abakaliki FC scored, winning the game.
Abakaliki FC will now face Ikorodu United FC of Lagos in the semi-finals. The date and venue for the next match will be announced soon.