2025 State FA Cup Finals: Drama, Upsets & New Champions Across Nigeria!
The 2025 State FA Cup Finals across Nigeria were filled with breathtaking moments, showcasing the incredible depth of football talent in the country. From shocking upsets to nerve-wracking penalty shootouts, teams battled fiercely for supremacy. Here’s a full recap of the thrilling encounters across all states:
Lagos State – Inter Lagos edged out Ikorodu City after a goalless draw, securing the title with a 5-4 victory on penalties. It’s a repeat of last year’s finals where Ikorodu City was crowned the Champion.
Ogun State – Imperial FC and Beyond Limits played a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Imperial FC emerging victorious 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout. It was Imperial FC first ever FA Cup victory.
Ondo State – Sunshine Stars clashed with their U-19 team in a highly contested final that ended 0-0, with the senior team winning 4-3 on penalties.
Osun State – Igbajo United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Osun United, showing their resilience. It is a great compensation for Igbajo FC which is not doing well in their NNL campaign. Hope this victory will turn their season around and help them to avoid relegation in their first season in the Nigeria second-tier league.
Ekiti State – NOSMAS FC showcased tactical brilliance with a 1-0 win over COPDEM.
Delta State – Warri Wolves displayed their attacking strength, securing a 2-1 victory over De Sapele Lions.
Anambra State – Edel FC emerged victorious after a 0-0 draw, winning 2-0 on penalties against Solution FC.
Abia State – Ahudiyannem FC pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, knocking out Enyimba FC after a 0-0 draw, triumphing 3-1 on penalties.
Enugu State – Rangers FC dominated Ijele FC with a resounding 3-0 victory, proving why they remain a football powerhouse.
Cross River State – Rovers edged E-World FC with a 1-0 win, relying on their defensive stability.
Bayelsa State – Crusaders FC fought hard against Bayelsa United in a dramatic 2-2 draw, sealing the win 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
Akwa Ibom State – Akwa United emerged champions after a disciplined 1-0 victory over Eagle Eye FA.
Rivers State – Rivers United displayed composure under pressure, defeating Wilbros FC 4-3 on penalties after a goalless encounter.
Oyo State – Shooting Stars and Crown FC played to a 0-0 draw, with Shooting Stars sealing the win 4-2 on penalties.
Kwara State – Kwara United and ABS FC played out a tense 1-1 draw, before Kwara United edged it 5-4 on penalties.
Kaduna State – Green Berets defeated Simoiben FA 2-1, and went on to claim a 4-1 penalty shootout win.
Niger State—Harmony FA (Bosso) emerged victorious over Atlantic FA (Suleja) after a 0-0 draw, winning 6-5 on penalties.
Kogi State—FC Bako showed attacking brilliance in a 2-1 win over Kogi Central FC.
Katsina State – Katsina United edged out Jnr Danburam with a 1-0 victory.
Plateau State – Plateau United demonstrated tactical superiority with a 2-0 win over Mighty Jets Feeders.
Benue State – Lobi Stars overcame Flight FC 2-1, proving their experience and resilience.
Gombe State – Gombe United showcased their firepower with a 3-1 win over El-Shama FC.
Yobe State – The most dominant result of the tournament saw Yobe Desert Stars crush Gujba Academy 9-1.
Zamfara State – Zamfara United edged out their feeder team, Zamfara United Feeders, with a 1-0 victory.
Jigawa State – Dandidi Babes displayed superior skill, securing a 2-0 win over Lautai United.
Borno State – El-Kanemi Warriors showed class with a 1-0 win over FC Yarmalight.
Ebonyi State – Abakaliki FC executed a perfect game plan, winning 1-0 against Cynosure FC.
FCT Abuja – FWC FC edged EFCC FC after a goalless draw, winning 4-3 on penalties.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 State FA Cup Finals:
✅ Nail-biting penalty shootouts: 17 matches were decided from the spot!
✅ Shocking upsets: Ahudiyannem FC’s elimination of Enyimba FC stole the headlines.
✅ Emerging talents: Lesser-known teams like Imperial FC, Edel FC, and NOSMAS FC proved they are forces to watch.
✅ State champions crowned: Some of Nigeria’s biggest clubs, like Rangers FC, Kano Pillars, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and Lobi Stars, lived up to expectations.
The 2025 State FA Cup Finals were a true testament to the depth of Nigerian football talent! From elite NPFL teams to rising grassroots clubs, this year’s edition was nothing short of spectacular.
Which result surprised you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments!