The historic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos will once again play host to the President Federation Cup grand finale on Saturday, June 28, 2025, marking the second consecutive year the iconic venue will stage the climax of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious domestic cup competition.

The scenic stadium, situated along the Lagos Island waterfront, last year witnessed El-Kanemi Warriors lift the men’s title after defeating Abia Warriors, while Rivers Angels claimed the women’s crown with a narrow 1-0 victory over Naija Ratels. Formerly known as the King George V Stadium, and later Onikan Stadium, the arena remains a symbol of Nigeria’s football history and tradition.

Lagos State, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, continues to play a pivotal role in the Federation Cup’s rich heritage. Out of the 79 editions held to date, Lagos has hosted 60 finals across various eras when the competition was known as the Governor’s Cup, FA Cup, Challenge Cup, and eventually the Federation Cup.

The stadium’s legacy dates back to 1945 when the King George V Stadium began hosting finals, staging 18 matches between 1945 and 1962. Renamed Lagos City Stadium in the 1960s, it continued to be the Cup final venue until 1972. That year’s final between Mighty Jets and Bendel Insurance, which ended 2-2, was replayed at Liberty Stadium in Ibadan—marking the first time the finale was held outside Lagos.

In 1974, the National Stadium, Surulere took over hosting duties after being built for the 2nd All-Africa Games. It held 22 final matches, the last being in 2002 when Julius Berger triumphed 3-0 over Yobe Desert Stars.

Other notable venues over the years have included:
    •    Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos – 8 finals
    •    Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi – 1989, 1994
    •    Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi – 1992, 2008
    •    Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna – 4 finals, most recently in 2019
    •    Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City – 2004, 2021
    •    Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba – 2018, 2023

This year’s showpiece event promises high drama and excitement as Abakaliki FC of Ebonyi, the underdog team capturing hearts nationwide, battles Kwara United FC of Ilorin in the men’s final. In the women’s final, Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt will aim to defend their title against the determined Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia.

Fans can expect a vibrant and historic celebration of Nigerian football at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena—an enduring symbol of the Federation Cup’s legacy.