01 July, 2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
Kwara State was agog with celebration on Monday as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq hosted Kwara United Football Club following their remarkable victory in the 2025 President Federation Cup — the club’s most historic win yet.
Also honoured were the U-19 players of the team, who clinched the maiden edition of the National Youth League, marking a double triumph for the state in Nigerian football.
In a move that underscored the government’s commitment to sports development, the Governor announced a reward of five million naira and a plot of land at the upscale Kwara Smart City for each player.
“This is the biggest trophy in Nigerian football today. It’s even older and more prestigious than the League Cup,” AbdulRazaq said at a state banquet held in Ilorin to receive the team. “We’re proud that this trophy now resides in Kwara. This is the result of our collective effort and investment.”
He noted that when his administration came into office in 2019, the team was struggling financially and morally, but consistent government support has since changed the narrative.
“When we assumed office, the team was in disarray. Salaries were unpaid, morale was low. But look at where we are today. I must thank the players, the coaching staff, and the management for their commitment and hard work,” the Governor added.
He dedicated the trophy to the late Alhaji Yusuf Salami, a passionate supporter of Kwara football who, despite personal sacrifices, could not achieve this dream during his lifetime.
“May Allah grant him Alijanna Firdaus. His legacy lives on in this moment,” the Governor said.
The team arrived Ilorin to a hero’s welcome, with crowds lining the streets from Eiyenkorin to the GRA Banquet Hall, where a reception was held. The players and coaching crew were greeted by cheering residents and supporters waving flags and banners in celebration.
Dignitaries at the event included top government officials, sports administrators, lawmakers, and political leaders. Among them were Hon. Rukayat Shittu, Hon. Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga, Princess Olubukola Babalola, Coach Bola Magaji, Kwara United Chairman Kumbi Titiloye, and Football Association Chairman Malam Abdullahi Musa Thuraya.
Coach Bola Magaji praised the Governor for his unwavering support, noting that the victory would not have been possible without the administration’s consistent investment in sports.
“We owe this achievement to the Governor’s backing. He believed in us when things were tough, and now we’ve brought the trophy home,” he said.
Also speaking, Kwara United Chairman Kumbi Titiloye expressed gratitude to the Governor, describing him as “the biggest supporter of football development in the state.”
Kwara United secured the cup after a dramatic final against Abakaliki FC, which ended in a penalty shootout following a tense 90-minute draw.
The team’s success is widely seen as a turning point for football in the state, raising hopes of even greater accomplishments on the national and continental stage.
