Abia Warriors Crash Out of Federation Cup After Penalty Shootout Shock Defeat

Abia Warriors have been eliminated from the 2026 President Federation Cup after suffering a surprise 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Nationwide League One side Ahudianynem FC.

The tightly contested encounter ended goalless in regulation time before Ahudianynem FC held their nerve in the shootout to knock out the Nigeria Premier Football League side.

The result comes as a major setback for Abia Warriors, who were runners-up in the 2024 edition of the competition, where they lost 2-0 to El-Kanemi Warriors in the final held in Lagos.

Attention now shifts back to their league campaign, where Imama Amapakabo’s side remain in strong contention for a continental ticket. Abia Warriors currently sit fourth on the Nigeria Premier Football League table with 55 points.

They are set for a crucial run-in, with remaining fixtures against Rivers United, Kun Khalifat FC, and Warri Wolves expected to determine their final standing.

Opinion: Cup Shock, But Season Still Alive

This is the kind of result that reminds everyone why cup football is unpredictable.

On paper, Abia Warriors were clear favourites, especially given their NPFL status and recent history in the competition. But football doesn’t always follow rankings, and Ahudianynem FC showed resilience when it mattered most.

For Abia Warriors, the disappointment will be real—especially after coming so close in 2024. However, their season is far from over. Their league position still gives them a realistic chance of securing continental football, which would be a significant achievement.

The key now is mental recovery. Cup exits can either derail momentum or refocus a team. With three crucial NPFL games left, their response will define whether this season is remembered as a setback—or a step forward.