Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday welcomed the Kwara United senior team and their U-19 squad to Government House after their outstanding performances in two national tournaments — the 2025 President Federation Cup and the newly introduced National Youth League.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, shared this development in an official statement released on Monday. Kwara United recently made headlines by winning the President Federation Cup after a tense final against Abakaliki FC, which ended in a 4-3 victory on penalties.
During a colorful reception at the Government House Banquet Hall in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRazaq announced a reward of N5 million for each first-team player. Along with the cash gift, every player was also awarded a plot of land within the Kwara Smart City as recognition for their achievement in lifting one of Nigeria’s oldest football trophies.
“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.
Governor AbdulRazaq also noted the difficult situation of the club when he came into office in 2019. He shared how players were owed salaries and morale was low. However, he added that things have now changed for the better with improved support and better results on the field.
He added that the trophy is being dedicated to the memory of Alhaji Yusuf Salami, a passionate football supporter who, despite personal efforts and sacrifices, could not achieve this same feat for the state in his time. “May Allah grant him Alijanna Fridaous,” he said.
The event followed a lively victory parade through Ilorin, with cheering residents waving from the streets as the team passed from Eiyenkorin to the venue.
Several government officials and sports figures were present at the reception. These included House Committee on Sports Chairperson Rukayat Shittu, lawmaker Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga, Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Olubukola Babalola, Sports Commission Chairman Coach Bola Magaji, and Kwara United Chairman Kumbi Titiloye.
Others in attendance were Head Coach Tunde Sanni, APC leader Alhaji Yahya Seriki, and representatives from the football community across the state.
