The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, warmly received the victorious Kwara United Football Club and its U-19 team on Monday to celebrate their remarkable achievements in the 2025 President Federation Cup and the inaugural National Youth League respectively. This celebratory event was confirmed in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on the same day.
okay.ng reports that Kwara United clinched the prestigious President Federation Cup title after a thrilling penalty shootout victory against second-tier side Abakaliki FC, winning 4-3 on penalties. The triumph marks a significant milestone for the club, bringing home one of Nigeria’s most historic football trophies.
At the reception held in Ilorin’s Banquet Hall, GRA, Governor AbdulRazaq announced generous rewards for the main team players, including a cash prize of N5 million each and a plot of land at the Kwara Smart City. He praised their dedication and success, emphasizing the trophy’s importance: “This is the biggest trophy in Nigeria today. It is bigger than the League Cup. This has been in existence even before the League was formed. The trophy is in Kwara, today. I must congratulate everybody who has made it happen.”
Reflecting on the club’s journey, the governor recounted the challenges faced since his administration began in 2019. “When we came in 2019, everything was down. We owed players a lot of money, but today the story has changed. So, I thank you all for what you are doing.”
In a heartfelt tribute, AbdulRazaq dedicated the victory to the memory of Alhaji Yusuf Salami, who had previously invested his entire wealth without government support to bring the trophy to Kwara but was unsuccessful. “May Allah grant him Alijanna Fridaous,” he prayed.
The reception followed a jubilant motorcade through Ilorin, from Eiyenkorin to the banquet hall, where enthusiastic residents lined the streets to cheer the players. The event drew several dignitaries, including Rukayat Shittu, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports; Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga, member representing Shawo/Essa Constituency; Princess Olubukola Babalola, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor; Coach Bola Magaji, Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission; Kumbi Titiloye, Chairman of Kwara United FC; and Malam Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association.
Both Coach Magaji and Chairman Titiloye expressed their gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support and investment in the team’s development, highlighting the positive impact of his leadership on Kwara United’s resurgence.
