Isale Asa Football Club emerged champions of the 19th Wesley 7-a-Side Football Tournament on Sunday, August 3, 2026, defeating Joy Sports FC 3-2 on penalties after a pulsating goalless draw in regulation time at the Wesley LGEA School, New Yidi Road, Ilorin.
The annual grassroots championship, which attracted 16 youth teams from across Ilorin and its environs, was staged in honour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ilorin South State Constituency, Hon. Alhassan Taiye Alaya.
The final lived up to expectations as both sides battled fiercely, ending the match in a one-all draw, before Isale Asa FC held their nerve to triumph in the penalty shootout and lift the coveted trophy.
Earlier in the semi-finals, Joy Sports FC edged Icon FC 2-1 on penalties following a goalless draw, while Isale Asa FC defeated Raymond FC 3-1 on penalties after another scoreless encounter. Raymond FC later claimed third place with a 4-3 penalty victory over Icon FC.
Individual awards were also presented to outstanding performers who distinguished themselves throughout the competition.
segun Alebiosu of Sheedah FC scored four goals to emerge as the Highest Goal Scorer, Lawal Elewure from Isale Asa FC was picked as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Coach Abdulqudus Olaide Olororo of Isale Asa FC as the Best Coach, and Shola Aberi of Icon FC as the Best Goalkeeper.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Alhassan Taiye Alaya, applauded the tournament’s organiser, Hon. Moshood Best, for sustaining one of Ilorin’s foremost grassroots football competitions over the years.
He described the tournament as a valuable platform for discovering and nurturing young football talents while promoting peace, unity and healthy engagement among youths.
Alaya recalled his long-standing connection with the competition, revealing that he once featured in the tournament as a player, later sponsored a team, and eventually won the championship in 2012.
“I am delighted to be honoured through this competition. I played in this tournament as a player, sponsored a team, and by the grace of God, won it in 2012. I will continue to support this initiative because it has become an important platform for youth development,” he said.
The PDP House of Assembly candidate pledged to prioritise youth empowerment and sports development if elected, urging young people to remain committed to using sports as a tool for personal growth and positive societal impact.
He also noted that the tournament’s 19th edition reflects its consistency and growing relevance in the development of grassroots football in Ilorin.
Former General Manager of Kwara United Football Club and former Kwara State Secretary of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Hon. Mohammed Haruna Maigidansama, also commended the organiser for honouring Hon. Alaya with the competition.
According to him, sports remain one of the most effective instruments for youth engagement, empowerment and crime prevention.
“Sports is a platform for engagement, empowerment and security for our youths. Competitions like this help to channel their energies positively while discovering talents for the future,” he said.
Also present at the final was the Kwara State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Abdulrahman Abdullahi Kayode, popularly known as Great Kay.
He described the championship as another demonstration of Hon. Alaya’s enduring commitment to youth development and community service, noting that the massive turnout of residents and football enthusiasts underscored the candidate’s popularity and grassroots appeal.
Kayode also presented an Award of Excellence to Engr. Ridwan Cook Amode, Chairman of JCR Nigeria Limited, in recognition of his philanthropic contributions to society. The award was received on his behalf by Hon. Mohammed Haruna Maigidansama, the PDP’s 2027 House of Assembly candidate for Ilorin East Constituency.
Commending both the organisers and participating teams, Kayode stressed that sports remain a powerful vehicle for promoting unity, friendship, discipline and community development.
The colourful finale attracted party leaders, community stakeholders, youth groups, football enthusiasts and residents from across Ilorin South, including but not limited to Hon. Sulaiman Alege and members of the Alaya Progressive Movement (APM), bringing the curtain down on another successful edition of one of the area’s most celebrated grassroots football competitions.
