*Aeidu FA secures 3-0 victory over Usman FC in tournament opener
The sponsor of the Peace and Unity Cup in Kwara North, Aliyu Issa Aeidu has been commended for initiating the tournament, which is expected to foster unity and peaceful coexistence among youths in Northern part of Kwara State.
His Royal Highness, the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliu Kpotwa, gave the commendation during an interview with newsmen at the opening ceremony of the competition on Sunday, February 2, 2026, at Agbonna High School, Share, Kwara State.
The Royal Father, who was represented by the Seriki Matasa of Tsaragi, Alhaji Ismaila Issa Ladan, noted that the competition is geared towards promoting unity among youths of different tribes across the Local Government Areas, particularly in Kwara North.
Alhaji Kpotwa reiterated that the tournament would bring total harmony and strengthen relationships among the various Local Government Areas in Kwara State.
“The competition is aimed at fostering unity among all tribes and youths across the Local Governments Areas, especially in Kwara North,” he stated.
In the same vein, the Seriki Samari of Tsaragi, Alhaji Mohammed Dede Mohammed, explained that the competition has already begun to promote peace among youths, urging teams from Kaiama and Moro Local Government Areas to join the tournament soon.
Alhaji Mohammed expressed delight at the large turnout of spectators at the opening match, describing the competition as a welcome development that will further unite youths within the community.
In the opening match of the tournament, Aeidu Football Academy (AFA), Lafiagi, recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Usman Football Club of Share.
AFA produced a dominant second-half performance to secure a convincing victory, in a thrilling encounter decided at Agbonna High School, Share, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. It was a game filled with grit, passion, and excitement from both sides.
Both teams showed strong attacking intent in the first half, but it was AFA that proved more purposeful and clinical in front of goal as first half ended goalless.
The second half resumed with renewed intensity as AFA pressed aggressively for the breakthrough. Their persistence paid off when Usman FC defender brought down an AFA attacker inside the penalty area. The resulting spot-kick was calmly converted to give AFA a deserved lead.
AFA extended their dominance by scoring two quick goals within a five-minute spell, effectively putting the game beyond Usman Football Club.
Despite efforts by the Share-based side to pull one back, AFA’s solid defensive display ensured they maintained their advantage until the final whistle.
Action continues today, Monday, as fans and spectators anticipate more exciting displays of football artistry from the participating teams.
Speaking after the match, the Chairman of Aeidu Football Academy, Lafiagi, Aliyu Issa Aeidu described the Unity Cup as a platform aimed at fostering peace and unity among youths, while also discovering football talents at the grassroots level in Kwara North.
The Peace and Unity Cup, organized to promote unity and peaceful coexistence in Kwara North, is scheduled to end on February 14, 2026.
Dignitaries present at the opening ceremony included His Royal Highness, the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliu Kpotwa, who was represented by the Seriki Matasa of Tsaragi, Alhaji Ismaila Issa Ladan; the Seriki Sanmari of Tsaragi, Alhaji Mohammed Dede Mohammed; Publisher of Sportspro News, Bayour Issah; former Chairman of Kwara SWAN, Jimoh Bashir; former international footballer, Nojeem Raji; and other notable personalities.
