NFF Defends Fairness Of 2025 President Federation Cup Draw

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has addressed concerns regarding the recent draw for the 2025 President Federation Cup, asserting that it was conducted in accordance with global best practices in football.

George Aluo, a member of the NFF Executive Committee, who responded to criticisms regarding the selection of venues for the quarter-final matches, labeled the objections as misguided and unfortunate.

According to the fixtures released by the NFF, Abakaliki FC are set to face Nasarawa United in Benin City, while Wikki Tourists will meet Ikorodu City in Bwari, Abuja. In other quarter-final match-ups, Akwa United will take on Kwara United in Enugu, and Rangers International will play Plateau United at the Area 3 Stadium, Abuja. All matches are scheduled to take place on 3rd May, with semi-finalists expected to be determined that day.

Concerns have been raised on social media regarding the venue for the match between Ikorodu United and Wikki Tourists, with some suggesting that the location may favour the Bauchi-based team.

Aluo, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), remarked, “Some of our media personnel require further education. Journalists should conduct themselves similarly to supporters on the streets. In the English FA Cup, a one-off match can occur where a club like Arsenal hosts Manchester United at home. Here in Nigeria, we’ve witnessed Abiola Babes host Ranchers Bees in Lagos, with no one questioning the distance from Abeokuta to Lagos. The final match featuring Enugu Rangers and Stationery Stores was played in Lagos many years ago, and more recently, Enugu Rangers hosted Kano Pillars in Asaba, despite Asaba’s proximity to Enugu, the home of Rangers.”

He emphasised the importance of promoting initiatives that elevate Nigerian football and attract corporate sponsorship. “Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau is committed to fairness in all his endeavours. He aims to elevate Nigerian football. I don’t see how playing in Abuja is an advantage for Wikki Tourists. Our focus should be on ensuring fair officiating, regardless of the venue.

For instance, Akwa United is playing in Enugu against Kwara United; there’s little mention of Akwa Ibom State’s proximity to Enugu.”

Aluo added, “The corporate sector is observing our actions. GTI, partners of the NPFL, are supporting the NFF alongside the President Federation Cup. We must avoid introducing unnecessary sentiments to a competition that aims to attract more corporate sponsors.”

The football governing body also debunked insinuations that it is unjustly protecting Nasarawa United FC in a petition filed by Bayelsa United FC over the two teams’ Round of 16 clash in the 2025 President Federation Cup competition.

The encounter, which was played in Anyigba, Kogi State on Wednesday, 16th April, saw the Prosperity Boys lose 4-5 on penalties to the Solid Miners after regulation time ended 1-1.

Bayelsa United promptly sent a protest letter to the NFF, dated the same day, contesting the eligibility of five players of Nasarawa United FC.

In its response, the NFF said the five players listed by Bayelsa United FC, viz Detan Ogundare, Emeka Onyema, Ogochukwu Leonard, Solomon Chigozie and Benjamin Jack, were duly registered by Nasarawa United FC for the 2025 President Federation Cup competition.

“After thorough examination of your claims, it is our findings that: 1) The listed five (5) players above are in the submitted list of Nasarawa United Football Club for registration for the 2025 President Federation Cup (find as contained and highlighted in the attached list. 2) The said five (5) players were duly registered and issued players licenses by the Nigeria Football Federation to participate in the 2025 President Federation Cup for Nasarawa United Football Club.

“Thus, your protest lacks substance and merit, and therefore did not succeed.”