The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Monday hosted Kwara United Football Club and the club’s U-19 team following their victories in the 2025 President Federation Cup and the inaugural National Youth League, respectively.
This was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Monday.
PUNCH Online had reported that Kwara United emerged as the new champions of the President Federation Cup, after beating second-tier side Abakaliki FC 4-3 on penalties.
At a reception held in Ilorin on Monday, AbdulRasaq announced a reward of N5 million and a plot of land at the Kwara Smart City for each player of the main team, commending their efforts in bringing the prestigious trophy home.
‘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’, the Governor said.
He recalled the transformation of the club under his administration, noting the challenges he met when he assumed office in 2019.
The governor said, ‘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.
According to the statesmen, the reception, which took place at the Banquet Hall, GRA Ilorin, followed the team’s triumphant motorcade through the city, from Eiyenkorin to the venue, as cheering residents lined the streets to celebrate the players.
Among dignitaries present were the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Rukayat Shittu; the member representing Shawo/Essa Constituency, Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Princess Olubukola Babalola; Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji; Chairman, Kwara United FC, Kumbi Titiloye; and Chairman, Kwara State Football Association, Malam Abdullahi Musa Thuraya.
Others included Head Coach Tunde Sanni, APC chieftain Alhaji Yahya Seriki, cabinet members, and sports stakeholders.
In separate remarks, Coach Magaji and Titiloye appreciated AbdulRazaq for his continued support and investment in the development of the team.
