The Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos will once again serve as the stage for the grand finale of the 2025 President Federation Cup, scheduled for Saturday, June 28.
This marks the second consecutive year that the waterfront venue, formerly known as Onikan Stadium and the historic King George V Stadium, will host Nigeria’s oldest football cup competition.
The announcement was made by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department, highlighting the arena’s storied legacy and its significance in Nigerian football.
Last year, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena hosted a thrilling finale where El-Kanemi Warriors triumphed over Abia Warriors in the men’s competition, while Rivers Angels secured a 1-0 victory against Naija Ratels in the women’s final.
This year’s event promises to be equally captivating, with Abakaliki FC of Ebonyi facing Kwara United FC of Ilorin in the men’s final, and defending champions Rivers Angels taking on Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia in the women’s showdown.
Lagos has a deep connection with the President Federation Cup, having hosted 60 finals since the competition began in 1945 under various names, including Governor’s Cup, FA Cup, Challenge Cup, and Federation Cup. The King George V Stadium, later renamed Lagos City Stadium, was the venue for 18 finals between 1945 and 1962. The National Stadium in Surulere took over in 1974, hosting 22 finals until 2002, when Julius Berger defeated Yobe Desert Stars 3-0.
Other Lagos venues, such as the Teslim Balogun Stadium, have also played host, alongside cities like Ibadan, Bauchi, Makurdi, Kaduna, Benin City, Port Harcourt, Abeokuta, Kano, and Asaba.
The Mobolaji Johnson Arena, known for its compact yet vibrant atmosphere, is expected to draw enthusiastic crowds for this year’s finals.
Football fans across Nigeria eagerly await the clashes, with Abakaliki FC’s unexpected run adding intrigue to the men’s competition and the women’s final promising a fierce battle between two formidable sides.