The Kwara State Football Association under the leadership of Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya has concluded plans to organize a befitting football tournament in honour of the pioneer Chairman of the association, Alhaji Shehu Usman Mustapha, who is the Wali of Ilorin.
Speaking at the well attended press conference organized to herald the tournament today, Mallam Idris revealed that the competition is aimed at celebrating the elder statesman, discover talented footballers and also create awareness about the round leather game.
“It’s noteworthy that we have named the football house after Alhaji Mustapha, but I felt it’s not enough to honour the services he has rendered to the state, hence the idea of this tournament.
We also have plans to celebrate all the past FA Chairmen, dead or live in order to further recognize their efforts” said Mallam Idris.
In his own remarks, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Mustapha who represented the family of the pioneer Chairman at the event commended the FA for the initiative and prayed for the success of his administration.
“I want to on behalf of the family thank you for this recognition. More importantly, our father is very honoured and delighted to see his selfless service being appreciated during his lifetime” the Mustapha’s family scion said.
Alhaji Kayode Siddiq, the Alangua of Owode who spoke on behalf of the Emir of Ilorin at the well attended event lauded the foresight of the FA for initiating the football competition.
Also stressing the importance of the tournament, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji noted that football development in the state has taken a new dimension under the current dispensation and lauded the FA for celebrating the football icon.
While reeling out the scope of the tournament, Chairman of the Kwara FA organising committee, Alhaji Wasiu Lawal Okoro noted that the football fiesta will involve no fewer than 64 teams across the State. He added that the kick off date will communicated to the public in due course.
Alhaji Usman Mustapha, Wali of Ilorin is the first Chairman of Kwara State Football Association who held sway between 1973 and 1974. The nonagenarian is reputed for building a solid foundation for football development in Kwara State.
Among many guests at the event are Former FA Chairmen- Alhaji Lanre Jaji; Alhaji Saliu Ojibara; the Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Agu Ejidike and Director of Football ABS Ilorin FC Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka and host of others.
