NFF Reschedules 2023 Federation Cup Final

NFF Reschedules 2023 Federation Cup Final

By Niyi Busari

The Nigeria Football Federation has rescheduled the grand finale of the 2023 Federation Cup final to hold on Wednesday 21st June, 2023, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Initially slated to hold on 15 June, the federation, following a backlash on the closeness of the final date to the concluding date for the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL Super 6 in Lagos which ends on Sunday 11th, with Bendel Insurance also playing in the league-ending play-off, NFF was left with no option but to adjust the date

In a press statement on Friday credited to the federation, the NFF stated why they shifted the final match, “A couple of issues have come up for us to deal with and we are doing that speedily. The Grand Finale will still take place in Asaba and we are determined to make a showpiece of the event,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said on Friday. 

As announced previously, the day will begin with the women’s final, between Cup holders Bayelsa Queens and multi-titlists Rivers Angels, which is billed to commence at 2pm. The men’s final, between 1978 champions Bendel Insurance of Benin and multi-titlists Rangers International of Enugu, will kick off at 5pm.

Bayelsa Queens are the defending champions of the competition, having overwhelmed FC Robo Queens of Lagos in the final of the 2021 competition at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. In their last visit to the Stephen Keshi Stadium for the Federation Cup final, Enugu Rangers came from three goals down in the first 45 minutes to draw level and defeat Kano Pillars on penalties in the 2018 men’s Final.