NFF Warns States To Meet Federation Cup Deadline Or Face Penalties

NFF Warns States To Meet Federation Cup Deadline Or Face Penalties

By Our Reporter 

The Nigeria Football Federation has directed all state football associations to conclude their President Federation Cup finals this weekend, warning that failure to meet the deadline will result in sanctions, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The directive applies to 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with only Lagos State granted an exemption following a formal request. The state cited the unavailability of its proposed venue due to an official government function.

According to the NFF, all state finals are scheduled to be played between Saturday and Sunday, and football authorities at the state level are expected to ensure full compliance within the stipulated timeframe.

The federation emphasised that adherence to the directive is mandatory, warning that any state failing to complete its fixtures as required will face a financial penalty of ₦1 million. The measure, it noted, is necessary to maintain the integrity and smooth progression of the competition calendar.

The state finals are part of the ongoing 2026 President Federation Cup, Nigeria’s oldest domestic football competition. The tournament begins at the grassroots level, with participation open to clubs across all tiers, before advancing to the national stage.

Each state is expected to produce two representatives, contributing to a projected 74 teams that will compete nationally. Lower-ranked sides will first contest preliminary play-offs before joining seeded teams from the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Nigeria National League at the round of 64.

From that stage, the competition adopts a straight knockout format, with matches played at neutral venues and tied fixtures decided by penalty shootouts where necessary.

The directive coincides with a two-week break in the NPFL calendar, allowing top-flight clubs to participate fully in the Federation Cup at the state level. League action is expected to resume with Matchday 36 on May 3, followed by Matchday 37 on May 10.

The NFF had earlier stressed the importance of complying with Federation Cup fixtures, warning clubs against withdrawal or failure to honour matches.

This weekend’s state finals will ultimately determine the teams advancing to the national stage, marking a crucial step in the competition’s progression.