El-Kanemi Warriors of Madiguri have been crowned the champions of the 2026 federation cup following a 1-0 triumph over Ikorodu City FC of Lagos on Saturday.
Muktar Ismail converted the penalty kick awarded by the referee in the 19th minute. The result earned the club the oldest trophy for the third time in a role , that is 2024,2025 and 2026.
Interestingly, the coaches who led the team on the three occasions were from Kwara state .
In a post match interview, Kabir Dogo congratulated the organizers , the Nigeria Football Federation, relevant stakeholders and his team on the success of the competition.
The tactician admitted that the final game was a big contest for his team but the better side emerged victorious, describing the victory as well deserved .
On the continental championship, the gaffer opined that the club would need to inject new legs into the team and step up its games in order to compete favourably during outings .
” I thank God for the victory and also congratulate Ikorodu City FC. El-Kanemi Warriors have the potential to excel at the CAF level, they just have to ensure that all the logistics are intact .
He noted that the victory and success recorded during his spells at the El-Kanemi Warriors will inspire him to deliver in the new club.
Meanwhile, Muktar Ismail of El-Kanemi Warriors FC was named the most valuable player, Imam Bala Magaji ,Wikki Tourists of Bauchi received best scorer award with 6 goals while the best goalkeeper award went to Temitope Suleiman of El-Kanemi Warriors FC.
