The Nigeria Football Federation has shifted the grand finale of the 2025 President Federation Cup to Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, scheduled for Saturday, 29 June.
Originally planned for Abuja’s MKO Abiola Stadium, the venue was reverted to Lagos in honour of the arena’s rich history hosting finals from 1945 to 1972 under various names including Onikan and Lagos City Ground. It has officially been called Mobolaji Johnson Arena since 2021.
The women’s final will see reigning champions Rivers Angels face Naija Ratels, while Abia Warriors take on El‑Kanemi Warriors in the men’s match.
Ticket prices have been released N200 for general admission and N2,000 for VIP entry, with both men’s and women’s finals scheduled on the same day.
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Editorial
We welcome the return to Lagos a city that has long embodied Nigerian football heritage. The decision to bring the President Federation Cup final back to Mobolaji Johnson Arena is more than sentimental. It reconnects contemporary football with its roots and celebrates venues that shaped our national identity on the pitch.
Having finals hosted in the FCT used to promise national balance, but Lagos offers atmosphere, crowd passion and history creating a proper stage for the country’s oldest cup competition. The historic grounds here still generate excitement and belong to football’s communal memory.
We must ensure that nostalgia is matched by modern professionalism. Facilities should be upgraded, ticketing seamless, and security high‑calibre to match global event standards. When fans return to Onikan, their experience should reflect both nostalgia and comfort.
Equity also matters. Featuring both men’s and women’s finals in one day sends a powerful message of equality. We encourage the NFF to amplify this with joint broadcasting, shared hospitality and integrated marketing showing that both finals are equally valued.
Finally, pricing must balance inclusion with revenue. N200 general admission is fair, but organisers should offer discounted family packages and community outreach to avoid exclusion. Football is for everyone, and this final could show how tradition and inclusivity coexist.
Lagos awaits a festival of football. With history behind it and opportunity ahead, this final could mark both a celebration and a statement: Nigeria’s heritage deserves to be held to tomorrow’s standards too.
Did You Know?
- Mobolaji Johnson Arena previously hosted a dramatic 1972 cup final where Bendel Insurance staged a late comeback to draw 2–2 before a replay.
- From 1974 to 1987, the National Stadium, Surulere hosted most Federation Cup finals before location began rotating.
- Teslim Balogun Stadium served as the final’s venue in 2007, 2009, and consecutively from 2011 to 2016.
- In 2024, El‑Kanemi Warriors claimed the Federation Cup title for the first time in 32 years by defeating Abia Warriors.
- The 2025 men’s and women’s President Federation Cup finals are being held on the same day at the same venue an uncommon but welcome joint scheduling.
