This year’s Igbo Traders Football Association (ITFA) organized Kwara Igbo Traders Associations (KWAITA) Unity Cup competition entered the semi-final stage over the weekend, marking another milestone in the fast-rising grassroots football tournament that has continued to unite Igbo communities in the state, and showcase budding talents across Kwara.
The competition has produced thrilling encounters, unexpected upsets, and moments of brilliance that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Yesterday, Sunday November 9, 2025, at the Kwara Football Academy, Ọjà Tuntun defeated Saw-Mill by a lone goal, Agaka beat Surulere by 2-0, Oja-Oba overwhelmed Tanke 3-0, while Baboko edged Offa Garage 6-5 on penalties after playing out a one-all draw at regulation time, to advance to the semi-finals.
The two semi-final matches next Sunday, at the same venue, will pitch Ọjà Tuntun against Ọjà Oba in the first match beginning from 2.00pm, while Agaka will square up against Baboko beginning from 4.00pm. The final match will be held at the Rashidi Yekini Main-Bowl of the George Agbazika Innih Stadium on a date yet to be fixed.
Speaking on the impact of the competition, the Chairman of KWAITA, Chief Bona Udoka Chukwuemeka, the Eze Omenife, expressed satisfaction with the high level of discipline and competitiveness displayed by all participating teams.
“We are very impressed with the standard of play and the commitment from all sides. The Unity Cup has once again shown that Igbo communities in Kwara have abundant talent waiting to be discovered. Our goal is to keep building a platform where these players can grow into future stars and also encourage unity and togetherness,” he said.
“The competition itself is termed ‘Unity Cup’ to underscore the value we attach to it. It’s really promoting unity and harmony, which is the bedrock of everything. My advice to our people is they shouldn’t see it as a do or die affair. It’s about our unity.
“We are also using the platform to promote business and culture. Igbos are known for their cultural heritage. Our culture is unique, and we must continue to promote it.
Also reacting, the ITFA Chairman, Romanus Okoye Ogbumma commended the collaboration between ITFA and KWAITA, describing it as “a strong statement of unity and progress for football development in Ilorin and beyond.”
“This partnership has achieved more than we anticipated. Beyond the football, it has fostered understanding, friendship, and peace among our communities. The level of organization and enthusiasm from the fans is a clear reflection of how much this tournament means to the people,” he added.
“We have been on break for some time, and I must thank the President the Igbo Community in Kwara State, and the President of KWAITA for supporting this. This will continue annually.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Peter Chukwu Amankwa, lauded the professionalism of the officials and the passion of the participating clubs.
“From the draws to the quarter-finals, everything has been transparent and competitive. The semi-final and final promise to be a true showcase of grassroots excellence. We are grateful to all partners and supporters for believing in this vision,” Amankwa stated.
In his goodwill message, the ITFA Ambassador, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka (the Nwachigiziri 1), praised the organizers for sustaining the initiative, noting that the Unity Cup has become a model for grassroots football promotion in Nigeria.
“The ITFA/KWAITA Unity Cup is more than a football tournament. It is a platform for youth empowerment, talent discovery, and community integration. I am proud of the progress made so far, and I urge all stakeholders to continue supporting this noble vision,” Chief Chukwuemeka said.
“It’s a tool for promoting unity among us. It’s also a tool to unite us with our host community, Kwara. This is one of the areas to contribute our quota to the development of the state.
“More importantly, this competition is being used to select an ITFA team that will compete in the National Federation Cup competition. It has been confirmed and approved by the Igbo community.
“Igbos are known for being industrious, contributing meaningfully to the development of any community they find themselves in. It’s about peaceful coexistence and business, because an average Igboman is a businessman.
“I will urge our people to always play by the rules, and understand that football has its own rules. It’s an avenue for us all to come together and try to relate with our host community”, he said.
The Chairman of the Sports Committee of KWAITA, Okoye Samuel Chukwuma thanked the State government, the President General of Igbo Community, the State Sports Commission, Kwara FA and other stakeholders, for supporting this initiative.
With the Unity Cup already fulfilling its promise of uniting communities and developing grassroots football, stakeholders believe that the best is yet to come for the ITFA/KWAITA partnership and the future of the game in Kwara State.
