Sporting Supreme U-19 on Thursday in Abuja secured a place in the final of the 2026 FCT President Federation Cup after defeating Galadima FC 5-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the semi-final encounter, held at the Area 3 Football Pitch, lived up to expectations as both sides showed resilience and attacking intent.
Galadima FC dominated possession early and took the lead in the 8th minute when Samson Joshua converted a penalty after a foul in the box.
They continued to press for another goal, but Sporting Supreme U-19’s defence, led by goalkeeper Riliwan Ibrahim, made crucial saves to keep the scoreline unchanged at halftime.
Sporting Supreme improved after the break and equalised in the 49th minute through Sani Ibrahim, who capitalised on an error by Galadima’s goalkeeper.
Both teams created chances in search of a winner but failed to convert, and the development resulted in a penalty shootout.
Sporting Supreme converted five of their kicks to win 5-3 and advance to the final.
To reach the semifinals, Galadima FC defeated FWC Champions 6-5 on penalties in the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, while Sporting Supreme U-19 edged NAF FC 5-4 on penalties after a similar scoreline in regulation time.
Speaking after the match, Sporting Supreme U-19 captain, John Ogwuche, attributed the victory to improved second-half performance and adherence to the coach’s instructions.
“The first half was slow, but we came back stronger in the second half and got the equaliser.
“Our coach told us to be patient, and that made the difference. We are happy to reach the final,” he said.
Ogwuche added that the team would remain focused ahead of the final.
Also speaking, Galadima FC captain, Sani Amadu, expressed disappointment over the loss but remained optimistic about the team’s future.
“We played well, but it was not our day. That is football.
“We will now focus on the Nationwide League One starting next week and aim to do better,” he said.
He also appreciated the club’s chairman, Abubakar Galadima, for his support.
In the second semi-final match played at the same venue, Sporting Supreme defeated EFCC FC 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to qualify for the final.
NAN reports that the men’s final will take place on Saturday at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja between Sporting Supreme U-19 and Sporting Supreme at 3 p.m., while Naija Ratels will take on NAF Queens in the women’s final at 1 p.m.
Thirty-two teams are participating in the 2026 FCT President Federation Cup men’s category, while two teams are taking part in the women’s category.
The competition which began on March 30, will end on April 25.
