Former Kwara United defender, Musa Abaya has called on Kwarans at home and across the Diaspora to unite behind the team, as the club battles to secure its Nigeria Premier Football League status.
Speaking passionately on the state of the club and football development in the country, on the sideline of the ongoing Super Four in Ikenne, Abaya described Kwara United as a heritage institution that transcends politics, personalities and temporary differences, insisting that the club remains one of the strongest symbols of unity and identity for the people of Kwara State.
According to him, the team represents both a tradition and a process that has stood the test of time, adding that regardless of the outcome of any particular season, the club will always remain relevant to successive governments and generations of football followers in the state.
“Kwara United is beyond an ordinary football club. It is a tradition and a process that has come to stay. Governments will come and go, administrators will change, players will leave, but the club will always remain a major project that every government will pay attention to, whether the team succeeds or struggles,” Abaya said.
He urged supporters to put aside individual differences and close ranks in support of the Harmony Boys during the crucial stage of the campaign, stressing that collective support from fans, stakeholders and lovers of football could make a significant difference in the team’s survival push.
Abaya praised the Kwara State Government, the present management of the club and football stakeholders for their continued commitment and support for the team, despite the difficult challenges associated with running a professional football club in Nigeria.
He noted that sustaining a football club requires sacrifice, patience and continuity, adding that stakeholders must continue to see Kwara United as a collective heritage that belongs to every indigene of the state.
“I must commend the government, the management and all stakeholders for standing by the club. Football administration is not easy, especially in Nigeria. What is important is for everyone to continue seeing Kwara United as our heritage and something that belongs to all of us,” he added.
Kwara United will face Enyimba FC on Sunday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in a crucial Nigeria Premier Football League encounter as the Harmony Boys continue their fight to avoid relegation, and Abaya has expressed confidence in the club’s ability to overcome Enyimba FC in their crucial fixture.
He dismissed suggestions that defeating Enyimba is an unusual feat, insisting that Kwara United had recorded such victories even during his playing days.
“It is not today that we have always been beating Enyimba. During our time, we did it and recently it has happened again,” he added.
Abaya Musa described the upcoming Sunday clash as a decisive game for the club’s progress, urging players and officials to remain united and focused.
“The Sunday game is very crucial because we just need that game to move on. I think we just need to stay focused, work with the same mind and victory will be ours,” he stated.
The former centre-back played for several notable clubs, including Folly Babes, Manchester United, Pako FC, Crown FC, Katsina United, Shooting Stars SC, OUK FC, Enyimba FC and also had a stint with S.S. Lazio before returning to Nigeria to finish his career with Kwara United.
The Abuja-based football administrator also spoke extensively on the activities of All Stars International, where he currently serves as Team Manager.
According to him, the initiative was established with a clear vision of keeping former footballers physically active after retirement while also using sports as a platform to strengthen unity, friendship and social interaction among ex-players.
He explained that many retired footballers face health and emotional challenges after leaving active football, making regular sporting and social engagements necessary for their wellbeing.
“The vision behind All Stars International is to keep ex-players active and healthy. It also gives us the opportunity to socialise, reunite and promote unity, togetherness and camaraderie among ourselves. Football gave us a platform in life, so we must continue to stay connected through it,” he explained.
Reflecting on the state of football in the country, Abaya lamented what he described as the sharp decline in the standard and mentality of players in the modern era.
The former defender expressed concern that many young footballers now pay more attention to betting, partying and social media distractions than improving their game and understanding the discipline required to succeed professionally.
According to him, today’s players often expend more physical energy on the pitch without developing the mental strength, tactical understanding and passion that defined football during his generation.
“The standard of football has dropped drastically. Many players nowadays think more about betting, partying and irrelevant things on social media instead of focusing on their careers,” he stated.
“The players of today put a lot of energy into play, but with little mentality. In our own playing days, we played with passion and commitment. We thought less about money and concentrated more on making a name for ourselves and helping our clubs succeed.”
Abaya further advised upcoming footballers to embrace discipline, hard work and professionalism if they hope to enjoy long and successful careers in the game.
