By Amaechi Agbo

Nasarawa Amazons are champions of the 2026 Women’s President Federation Cup after defeating Owerri-based Heartland Queens at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

The Lafia Landladies successfully redeemed themselves after losing the 2025 final on penalties, putting on a resilient performance to claim national glory.

Amazon were 6-5 better than their opponents in the penalty shootout after duration had ended in 1-1 apiece.

The final showpiece lived up to its billing as Nigeria’s oldest domestic knockout competition. Led by veteran coach Christopher Danjuma, the Nasarawa Amazons established physical and tactical control from the blast of referee Yemisi Akintoye’s whistle.

The game concluded with wild celebrations from the Lafia camp, ensuring that the prestigious trophy would be taken back to Nasarawa State.

The victory marks a monumental milestone for the club, reclaiming the coveted crown they last touched in 2019. Amazons’ path to the 2026 championship was packed with drama. Round of 32: A dominant 6-0 thrashing of Kwara Ladies, Quarter-final: Knocked out historical heavyweights Edo Queens 5-3 via a penalty shootout after a scoreless regulation time. Semi-finals; secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Sunshine Queens in Enugu, sealed by a last-gasp winner deep in stoppage time.

Heartland Queens exit the tournament with their heads held high after a fairytale run that saw them reach their first-ever Federation Cup final.