The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has revealed his demand to have the state’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side renamed Kwara United Football Club, from its former name, when he was installed as the Emir.
The Chairman of the Traditional Council in the state stated this today in Ilorin, while receiving the technical crew, players and members of staff of the club at his palace in Ilorin.
The club, which started way back in 1974 as Kwara Water Corporation Football Club underwent various metamorphoses, and as at the time the Emir assumed office, it was known as Kwara Bombers Football Club.
The Emir, who is the Grand Patron of the club led a powerful delegation to the authorities for the removal of ‘Bomber’ from the State’s team’s name because the word ‘Bomber’ brings to memory the sad event of May 31, 1995, when a bomb went off inside the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, during the launching of the Kwara State chapter of the Family Support Programme (FSP).
According to the Monarch, “I always pray to hear the name of the club”
The Emir told the players the story of how Nottingham Forest forward, Taiwo Awoniyi visited and presented to him a branded jersey the last time he was in London.
“I also pray that every one of you will play abroad”, as he charged them to remain focused and be serious always.
He blessed the team, and prayed for the players, the coaches and staffers especially on all the matches they will play, for safe trip always, and playing without injuries.
The Technical Adviser of the club, Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo, who is the Mogaji of Odo-Okun had earlier sought for the blessings of the Emir, pointing out that whatever he does, he always asked for the blessings of the Emirate, especially now that he’s at home.
He also presented the State Federation Cup trophy the team won yesterday to the Emir.
