Nasarawa Amazons have been crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Women’s President Federation Cup after defeating Heartland Queens 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Saturday. The Lafia-based club secured their third title in the competition, having previously won in 2005 and 2019. The final was a tense affair, with both teams showing determination and resilience throughout the 90 minutes of regulation time.
Heartland Queens, making their first-ever appearance in the final, opened the scoring just one minute into the second half through Johnson Chizoba. The goal gave them a brief advantage and sparked hopes of a historic win for the team. However, Nasarawa Amazons responded with a well-timed equaliser in the 69th minute, courtesy of substitute Judith Adaobi, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score.
Despite both sides pushing for a winner in the remaining minutes, neither could break the deadlock, forcing the match into extra time. Even after 30 minutes of additional play, the score remained 1-1, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the champion. Nasarawa Amazons displayed composure under pressure, converting six of their seven spot-kicks. Heartland Queens, though valiant, managed only five successful penalties, falling short in the decisive moments.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Nasarawa Amazons, who continue to establish themselves as a dominant force in Nigerian women’s football. Their ability to perform under pressure in the final was evident, especially in the penalty shootout where they maintained focus and executed their kicks with precision. The win also highlights the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Nigeria, with teams like Heartland Queens stepping up to challenge the established giants.
The 2026 President Federation Cup now shifts focus to the men’s final, where El-Kanemi Warriors will face Ikorodu City in a bid to claim the men’s title. The women’s final, however, will be remembered for its intensity, drama, and the historic moment for Heartland Queens, who, despite the loss, proved they belong among Nigeria’s elite clubs. Nasarawa Amazons’ triumph adds to their legacy and sets a benchmark for other teams aiming to claim the prestigious trophy in future editions.
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