*Govt assures club of adequate continental preparations
*Kwara United may play CAFCC matches in Remo
Kwara United Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Kwarans, both home and abroad, for supporting the club to break the age-long President Federation Cup jinx.
Kwara United yesterday, June 28, 2025, secured the historic victory over Abakaliki FC to win the Premier Cup competition, and a CAF Confederation Cup ticket in doing so, ending the game 4–3 on penalties, after playing out a goalless draw at regulation time.
An elated Tititoye, who has secured the second continental ticket for the team within four years said that the feat wouldn’t have been possible without God’s grace, and the strong backing by the Governor and Kwarans.
“I cannot thank my creator enough, for helping us break the jinx. I will want to commend my players and coaches for coming this far, against all odds. They are the great heroes. I will also want to thank the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Mallam AbdulRazaq, for his massive support.
“I want to commend the State Sports Commission, our Supporters and Fans, as well as the lovers of the club, who came all through thick and thin, who kept faith in us even when we lose at home, they stood by us up to this point. We thank them all.
“I promise that Kwara United will continue to be great, even after me. We will ensure, with the support of our Governor, that we prepare well enough for the continental competition.
The final lived up to expectations, kicking off with intensity as Kwara United dominated early proceedings. In the 21st minute, Junior Aimufua almost broke the deadlock, but his powerful strike smashed against the crossbar.
At the back, the defensive quartet of Jimoh Gbadamosi, Ibrahim Yahaya, Saheed Olaniyi, and Victor Adeoye stood resolute, keeping Abakaliki FC at bay and ensuring the first half ended goalless.
Kwara United continued to press in the second half. Ibrahim Yahaya’s deflected effort drew a superb save from the Abakaliki goalkeeper. Then, in the 77th minute, Wasiu Alalade found the net from an Akeem Akanni cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Despite sustained pressure, neither side could find the breakthrough, and the match proceeded to penalties.
Goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso was the hero during the shootout, saving one penalty, while another Abakaliki player missed. Although Akanni Akeem missed for Kwara United, the Harmony Boys converted four of their five spot-kicks to seal a 4–3 victory.
Reacting to the triumph, Head Coach Tunde Sanni praised his players for their resilience and composure:
“This is a historic moment for Kwara State. I lost the final twice as a player, so winning it now as a coach is truly special,” he said.
Suraj Ayeleso of Kwara United was picked as the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, while the club’s midfielder, Victor Adeoye won the MVP award.
The final was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, NFF President Mallam Ibrahim Gusau, and National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
With the victory, Kwara United not only lifted their first national title in nearly five decades but also earned a coveted place on the continental stage marking a new chapter in the club’s history.
Meanwhile, Kwara state government has assured that the team will be fully fortified ahead of the 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup competition.
The Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji, while reacting after the historic victory, charged the team to immediately swing into action in its preparations.
“We are growing. What we did last year is not what we are doing now. We will keep improving. We will recruit players to fortify the team. The ball is in the court of the club. Government is ever ready in giving its support to the team.
While reacting to the victory, he said that, “this is a joyous moment for everyone. It’s what has eluded us for years. We thank the Governor for his overwhelming support.
“I thank all our Supporters, Fans and Kwarans as a whole. Some of them travelled with us to this place, and those at home are also with us in spirit. We cannot thank them enough. It’s absolutely an historic moment”, he added.
With the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo and the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne the only two stadiums good enough to host continental matches, Kwara United may play its Confederation Cup matches in Ikenne. The team played it’s continental competition in 2022 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
