Elkanemi Warriors Stage Dramatic Comeback, Reach Federation Cup Quarter-Finals
Elkanemi Warriors FC has produced a remarkable comeback on Saturday to defeat Bendel Insurance FC on penalties and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Presidential Federation Cup. The Round of 16 encounter, played at the Aqual Project Football Field in Abuja, attracted a large crowd of supporters from both clubs.
By Mala Abdulazeez
El-kanemi Warriors FC has produced a remarkable comeback on Saturday to defeat Bendel Insurance FC on penalties and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Presidential Federation Cup.
The Round of 16 encounter, played at the Aqual Project Football Field in Abuja, attracted a large crowd of supporters from both clubs.
Bendel Insurance got off to a flying start, opening the scoring just three minutes into the game. The Benin-based side maintained their dominance in the first half and added two more goals to take a commanding 3-0 lead into the break.
However, Elkanemi Warriors mounted a spirited second-half fightback.
The Maiduguri side pulled one goal back in the 48th minute and continued to pile pressure on their opponents.
Their persistence paid off as they scored two more goals before the end of regulation time to level the score at 3-3.
With both teams unable to find a winner, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shootout.
The two sides successfully converted their first five spot-kicks, forcing the contest into sudden death.
Elkanemi Warriors scored their next penalty, while Bendel Insurance missed theirs, handing the Maiduguri club victory and a place in the last eight.
The shootout ended 8-7 in favour of El-kanemi Warriors.
The Desert Warriors will now face Sokoto United FC in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest to retain the prestigious Federation Cup title.
El-kanemi Warriors are the reigning champions of the competition, having won the Presidential Federation Cup during the 2023/2024 season
