Gambari United on Wednesday March 18, 2026, emerged champions of the maiden edition of the 3SU U-23 Ramadan Cup, following an impressive display at the competition’s grand finale held Wednesday March 19, 2026, at the Akerebiata Wembley in Ilorin.
They defeated Kingshood Football Academy 2-1 to win the trophy. Earlier, Asukuty FC also defeated A3 FC 2-1 to win the third place prize.
The highly entertaining tournament, organised by Morrow International Football Promotion, brought together 12 teams from across the community, all competing for top honours in a championship aimed at discovering and nurturing young football talents at the grassroots level.
The 12 teams were fully kitted by the sponsor, Senator Sadiq Sulaiman Umar, representing Kwara North at the National Assembly.
Gambari United proved to be the standout side throughout the competition, showing resilience, tactical discipline, and attacking flair to clinch the historic title. Their victory in the final was a fitting reward for their consistency and determination from the group stages to the knockout rounds.
Senator Sadiq Sulaiman Umar at the final, reiterated his resolve to youth and sports development, adding that the initiative was designed to empower young football talents and strengthen community engagement.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, who was represented at the final by Alhaji Suleiman Abass Ahmed, the retired Assistant Controller General of Immigration, who is the Makama of Kaiama pointed out that his involvement in grassroots sports is part of a broader mission to create opportunities for young people, nurture hidden talents and use sports as a tool for social development.
Mojeed Morrow of Gambari United emerged as the Most Valuable Player of the competition. Coach Sulaiman Adisa of Oke-Oyi was picked as the Best Coach, and Sulaiman Aláṣẹ of Kingshood FA as the Best Goalkeeper. Lookman Owolabi of United FC emerged as the Highest Goal Scorer.
Top on the list of dignitaries that graced the colourful closing ceremony are Alhaji Salihu Modibbo Sulu-Gambari, who represented the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Ajia Opele, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ajia, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, Chairman, State YSFON, Mallam Ademola Kiyesola, Football Council Chairmen in the state and Hon. Alhassan Bagudu.
Also present are former Kwara Director of Sports, Mallam Tunde Kazeem, Prof. Olaitan Bashir, Mallam Mohammed Buhari, Hon. Mumini Katibi and Hon. Amuda Yusuf, among others.
