The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Committee has named the top officials who will take charge of the grand finale of the 2025 President Federation Cup, holding at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Among the appointed referees are some of Nigeria’s most seasoned officials, with history and pedigree behind their whistles.
Leading the officiating team for the women’s final between Nasarawa Amazons and Rivers Angels is the experienced and widely respected Hannah Eliagwu, a 2017 FIFA-badged referee and inspector with the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps.
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This is not Eliagwu’s first time handling a Federation Cup final. She previously officiated the 2017 Women’s Federation Cup final held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in Jos, Plateau State, between Rivers Angels and Ibom Angels. That match remains one of the most dramatic women’s cup finals in recent memory. Rivers Angels were taken to the brink by a resilient Ibom Angels side, and after a goalless draw in regulation time, the encounter was settled by a tense penalty shootout.
Eliagwu maintained control throughout the heated clash, managing high-pressure moments and crucial decisions with precision and calm. Rivers Angels ultimately triumphed 3-0 on penalties, with goalkeeper Christy Ohiaeriaku making vital saves. That performance cemented Eliagwu’s reputation as one of the most dependable officials in Nigerian women’s football.
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With Rivers Angels again in the final under her watch eight years later, football fans are left wondering, will lightning strike twice? Can Rivers Angels again find favour under Eliagwu’s stewardship, or will Nasarawa Amazons rise to the occasion?
Supporting Eliagwu are equally capable hands: Mfon Friday as Assistant Referee 1, Faith Agbons as Assistant Referee 2, and Ndidi Madu, who has officiated two recent finals—the men’s final in Benin in 2022 and the women’s final in Asaba in 2023—making her presence on the sideline another boost in officiating quality.
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Ogabor to Make Final Debut in Men’s Showdown
For the men’s final between Kwara United and Abakaliki FC, the NFF has appointed Dr. Ogabor Joseph, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Calabar and also a 2017 FIFA-badged referee. Dr. Ogabor has built a solid profile in local and international football circles. Although this will be his first time officiating a Federation Cup final, he served as the Reserve Referee in the 2024 men’s final, also hosted at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
His supporting team includes Mahmud Yakubu — fresh off duty at the AFCON U20 Championship in Cairo — as Assistant Referee 1 and Emmanuel Omada as Assistant Referee 2. The Reserve Referee is Yemisi Akintoye, who officiated the 2024 women’s final and is heading to WAFCON 2025 as the only Nigerian referee invited for the WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.
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Serving as the Referee Assessor for the men’s final is Peter Edibe, a highly respected FIFA retired referee and experienced Technical Instructor. Edibe brings a wealth of international exposure, having officiated in five Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments during his active years.
For the women’s final, the Referee Assessor role will be handled by Olori Adebisi, another FIFA retired referee and a well-known figure in officiating development. Adebisi currently serves as the National Training Officer of the Nigeria Football Referees Association and is regarded as one of the leading Technical Instructors in the country.
Their appointments reflect the NFF’s commitment to ensuring not just on-field excellence but also high-level technical supervision at Nigeria’s premier football cup final.
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A Vote of Confidence in Nigerian Referees
This year’s appointments reinforce the NFF’s commitment to quality officiating in its showpiece competition. With two FIFA-badged referees at the helm and an officiating crew rich in continental tournament experience, the 2025 finals are expected to be defined not only by skill on the pitch but also by professionalism on the sidelines.
As thousands of fans prepare to storm the Onikan venue and millions more tune in nationwide, the officials have a chance to shine just as brightly as the players. For Hannah Eliagwu and Dr. Ogabor, it is a chance to etch their names into Nigerian football folklore.
