Federation Cup Drama: NFF Retracts Best Goalkeeper Award from El-Kanemi Keeper Abine

Abia Warriors goalkeeper, Ali Ishaku, will be presented the Best Goalkeeper award of the 2024 President Federation Cup along with a N1 million prize at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) office in Abuja. This comes after a controversial mix-up during the final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, where the award was erroneously handed to El-Kanemi Warriors’ goalkeeper, George Abine.

The final saw El-Kanemi Warriors secure their third title with a 2-0 victory, thanks to a brace from midfielder Nasiru Salihu. However, the celebrations were marred by confusion during the award presentations.

During the ceremony, an NFF official mistakenly announced “Ali Ishaku of El-Kanemi Warriors” as the Best Goalkeeper, leading Abine to receive the award. Following the error, the NFF decided to rectify the situation by withdrawing the award from Abine and ensuring it would be correctly presented to Ishaku.

Reflecting on the incident, Ishaku, who saved a crucial penalty in the final, expressed his disappointment but confirmed the resolution. “The chairman of my club, John Obu, called me and assured me that the award has been retrieved and will be given to me in Abuja,” Ishaku told the media. “He also asked for my account number to forward to the NFF for the prize money.”

On the other hand, Abine voiced his frustration over the lack of explanation from the NFF but took solace in his team’s triumph. “They just asked me to return the award without any explanation. I believe they should have considered the criteria more carefully, as I kept five clean sheets and conceded only one goal throughout the tournament,” Abine stated. “Nevertheless, winning the title with my team is what matters most.”

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi confirmed that the issue had been resolved but could not clarify how the mistake occurred. “It is an issue that has been resolved, and the [Abia] goalkeeper will receive his award. I can’t really explain the mistake,” Sanusi said.

Both goalkeepers confirmed they did not have a chance to discuss the mix-up post-match. Ishaku noted, “I didn’t get to talk to him [Abine] because they were celebrating, and I was with my family.” Abine added, “By the time we were done, they were already leaving, so we didn’t see each other.”

As the dust settles on this controversy, the focus now shifts back to the performances that defined the tournament, with both goalkeepers showcasing exceptional skills throughout.