Nasarawa Amazons claimed their third President Federation Cup title after defeating Heartland Queens 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
It was Heartland Queens’ first appearance in the final, and they took time to settle into the contest as Nasarawa Amazons dominated the early exchanges.
Despite creating the better chances, the Amazons were unable to find the breakthrough.
Heartland Queens gradually grew into the game after the first hydration break, enjoying more possession and looking increasingly comfortable.
However, neither side could find the back of the net before halftime.
Heartland Queens resumed the second half with the same confidence they displayed towards the end of the opening period, and their bright start paid off almost immediately.
Just one minute after the restart, Johnson Chizoba gave the Owerri-based side the lead with a well-taken finish.
Trailing 1-0, Nasarawa Amazons searched for a response, and head coach made a decisive tactical change by introducing Judith Adaobi in the 60th minute.
The substitution proved inspired as Adaobi equalised nine minutes later to bring the Lafia-based side back into the contest.
With neither team able to find a winner, the final was decided by a penalty shootout.
Nasarawa Amazons held their nerve from the spot, converting six of their penalties to edge Heartland Queens, who scored five, and secure the President Federation Cup for the third time in the club’s history.
Speaking after the match, Heartland Queens head coach, Obi Ogbala lamented his side’s inability to take their chances and close out the game after going in front.
He also blamed a lapse in concentration for allowing Nasarawa Amazons back into the contest before admitting that penalty shootouts can go either way and, on this occasion, fortune smiled on the Amazons.
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