Biodun Esan Ilorin
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State on Monday hosted the Kwara United Football Club , following their historic emergence as the 2025 President’s Federation Cup champions.
The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye on Tuesday, said AbdulRazaq also hosted the U-19 category of the team which also won the inaugural National Youth League.
He rewarded each of the Kwara United players five million naira and a plot of land at the exclusive Kwara Smart City, commending them for making the state proud.
The Kwara United Club had beaten their Abakaliki FC counterparts in a match that was decided through penalty shootouts following a 90-minute play.
The team made a triumphant entry into Ilorin on Monday afternoon, with residents of the capital city waving as their long motorcade wound its way from Eiyenkorin down to the banquet hall in the downtown GRA, where the reception was held.
In his speech at the reception, AbdulRazaq said the Federation trophy is the biggest in Nigeria today, and that 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.
“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.
“Our administration is dedicating this trophy in memory of Alhaji Yusuf Salami, who spent his entire wealth without government support to bring in this trophy to Kwara, but he didn’t succeed. May Allah grant him Alijanna Fridaous,” the Governor said.
AbdulRazaq specifically commended the team, Coach Magaji, Kumbi, and the entire management for their dedication to rewriting the story of the Football Club.
Coach Magaji and Kumbi Titiloye, in their separate remarks, appreciated the Governor for hugely investing in the team to achieve greater success.
The reception was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Kwara House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Hon Rukayat Shittu; the member representing Shawo/Essa Constituency, Hon Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga and cabinet members.
Others were Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor Princess Olubukola Babalola; Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission Coach Bola Magaji and Chairman, Kwara United FC Kumbi Titilope.
Also in attendance were Chairman Kwara State Football Association Malam Abdullahi Musa Thuraya; Head Coach Tunde Sanni; APC Chieftain, Alhaji Yahya Seriki; among others.
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