Nasarawa State Govt. hails Amazon on Federation Cup final

By Amaechi Agbo

The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has congratulated the State’s Women’s Football Team, Nasarawa Amazons, for qualifying for the final of this year’s President Federation’s Cup(Women’s Category) after a nervy 2-1 Semi-Final win over Sunshine Queens FC of Akure at ‘The Cathedral’ Stadium, Enugu, on Wednesday evening.
The Governor who is an ardent follower of the club’s activities sent the congratulatory message to the team via its official WhatsApp Platform shortly after the full-time whistle was sounded, writing, “Wow! Congratulations champs.
“Thanks for making us proud at all times.”
Sule was at last year’s finale held at the Mobolaji Johnson’s Arena, Lagos, watching the Amazons relinquish a 2-0 first-half lead to losing via penalty shootouts to Rivers Angels after regulation time ended 2-2 apiece.
Following on the footpath of the Governor, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, praised the tactical discipline and fighting spirit that carried the team through the Semi-final pressure.
“We are so proud of our ladies. They showed maturity and composure after their opponents drew level after the regulation time. Sunshine Queens restored parity in the 93rd minute, and our girls took the driver’s seat again a minute later, and jealousy guarded that scoreline till the full-time whistle, which eventually advanced them to the final for the second consecutive year.
“This feat is attributed to Governor Sule’s planning, huge investment in women’s sports, and firm belief in our youth, including women’s football.
“We lost the opportunity to lift this title last year in Lagos, but by the grace of God, we should be able to lift it this time around in Delta State.
“The Nasarawa State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, will mobilize adequately to the final to support our ladies to triumph.”
Other top Government functionaries from Nasarawa State, including Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Youth and Sports Development, as well as Health, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, and Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, also sent messages of congratulations, commending the team for lifting the State’s flag high.
Chairperson of Nasarawa Amazons FC, Hajiya Hussaina, acknowledged the Governor’s message, and expressed gratitude for his continuous support.
“Thank you so much, Your Excellency, for always being there for us.
“We really appreciate you”, she replied the Governor’s message on the club’s WhatsApp Platform.
She noted that the Club would work harder and smarter to clinch this year’s FA Cup title as a parting gift for Governor Abdullahi Sule after narrowly missing out on the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Premier League title, where they ended overall 3rd position on the table.
Nasarawa Amazons survived a nervy 2-1 victory in the Semi-Final clash to keep their trophy dream alive.
Ayatsea Hembafan had given the Lafia-based side an 18th minute lead before Sunshine Queens rallied back to even the score three minutes into the additional time. However, Alani Jumoke was the heroine of the day, scoring the late winner that guaranteed the Amazons a place in this year’s final against Heartland Queens who defeated FC Robo Queens 2-1 in the other Semi-Final clash at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State.
With the final of this year’s President Federation’s Cup, both for men and women, set for the Late Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday, 11th July, by 2pm, attention will turn to the ultimate prize which the Amazons have previously won twice, in 2005 and 2019.
The team will look to make up for last year’s miss, and return with a silverware in appreciation of the Governor’s sustained gestures and the hopes of millions of the State’s passionate sports lovers.