Jubilation engulfed Ilorin on Monday as Kwara United Football Club made a triumphant return home following their historic President Federation Cup triumph. The Harmony Boys clinched the prestigious national title for the first time in the state’s history, defeating Abakaliki FC 4–3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Fans, stakeholders, and football lovers began gathering as early as 11:00 a.m. at Eyenkorin to welcome the victorious team, who departed Lagos at 6:30 a.m. The players arrived in Ilorin at 12:10 p.m., to a rousing reception, with supporters lining the streets as the team paraded the trophy through Eyenkorin, Geri Alimi, Taiwo Road, and finally to the Government Banquet Hall.
The grand reception was sponsored by Ambassador Abdulfatah Yahaya Seriki in honor of the team’s monumental achievement.
At the reception, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced a monetary reward of ₦5 million and a plot of land for each player and official of the club. He described the victory as a landmark achievement and dedicated it to the memory of football icons Alhaji Yusuf Salami and Alhaji Sanni (Yusuf Salam Rock), whose efforts in the 1976 Federation Cup final laid the foundation for this historic win.
The Governor emphasized that his administration will ensure the state stadium meets the standards for the CAF Confederation Cup, and he highlighted recent investments in sports infrastructure, including the biggest squash court in Africa and renovations of the Indoor Sports Hall.
“The Federation Cup remains Nigeria’s most prestigious football competition — even before the league era. We’ve seen great clubs like Enugu Rangers, Stationery Stores, Abiola Babes, and Mighty Jets battle here. Kwara United has now inscribed its name in gold,” the Governor stated.
He commended Mallam Idris Musa Abdullahi, Chairman of the Kwara FA, for his leadership and urged him to sustain the momentum.
Earlier, Mallam Bola Mogaji, Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, praised Governor AbdulRazaq’s unwavering investment in sports, reiterating the commission’s commitment to promoting and sustaining sports development.
Kumbi Titiloye, Chairman of Kwara United, described the win as a product of consistent support from the state government, thanking the Governor for believing in the team.
The event was graced by dignitaries including:
Ambassador Abdulfatah Yahaya Seriki (Reception sponsor)
Prince Oladimeji Ladi (former club chairman)
Barrister Bamidele Aluko (former club chairman)
Mallam Idris Musa Abdullahi (FA Chairman)
Coach Tunde Kazeem (Former Director of Sports)
Hammed Adio (Kwara sports legend)
Chairmen of Local Government Football Councils across the state
With this historic victory, Kwara United has not only lifted the most coveted trophy in Nigerian club football but also booked a continental ticket to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup. The state now turns its attention to preparing for the next phase of continental football — with ambition, unity, and pride.
