Controversy looms at the President Federation Cup final at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium as George Abine claims the Best Goalkeeper award meant for Ali Ishaku, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ishaku, representing Abia Warriors, was named the Best Goalkeeper of the President Federation Cup after an impressive tournament performance.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper secured a clean sheet in Abia Warriors’ 1-0 victory against Sporting Supreme in the Round of 16 and another clean sheet in their 1-0 win against Kano Pillars, along with several penalty saves.
The Best Goalkeeper award at the 2024 President Federation Cup led to unexpected tension between Abia Warriors and EL-Kanemi Warriors fans during the final held at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium.
Abia Warriors’ Ali Ishaku was announced as the winner, but EL-Kanemi Warriors’ George Abine took the stage to claim the trophy, nearly causing a confrontation between the teams.
“When they called my name, I was trying to go there, and the guy [George Abine] went to collect it. I felt bad because I said that’s my name. I was trying to explain to them, but they said no,” Ishaku told Brila FM.
The mix-up caused significant tension on the field due to a lack of clear communication during the awards presentation, with Ishaku from Abia Warriors mistakenly announced as being from EL-Kanemi.
Ishaku made six saves and saved a penalty during their final group stage clash against Kwara United to advance to the Round of 16. He also saved penalties against Sokoto in the quarterfinals and Kano Pillars in the semifinals.
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“I made six saves and saved a penalty against Kwara United to qualify for the Round of 16. I also saved a penalty against Sokoto and Kano Pillars to qualify for the semifinal and the final. I also saved a penalty today. They have told me now that I am the rightful owner. I will be getting the 1 million naira and the trophy,” Ishaku said to Brila FM.
Meanwhile, George Abine, whose name was not mentioned, revealed that he had kept five clean sheets and conceded just once in his six tournament appearances, making him a strong candidate for the award.
“When you want to give an award, you value the options. I have played six matches, kept five clean sheets, and conceded only one goal. Yes, I heard Ali Ishaku, but they said from EL-Kanemi Warriors. Sure, I believe I deserved the award. I thought maybe it was a mistake,” he said.
The Nigeria Football Federation released a statement confirming Abia Warriors’ Ishaku as the rightful winner of the Best Goalkeeper award.
Ishaku told Brila FM that the award and the prize money will be withdrawn from Abine and returned to him as the official winner.
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