Ọjà Tuntun FC emerged champion of the 2024 ITFA/KWAITA Unity Cup after a thrilling finale that underscored the tournament’s core message of unity, grassroots development, and cultural harmony.

They defeated Baboko 6-5 on penalties, after a crucial goalless draw, in the match decided at Kwara Football Academy pitch on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

The competition, jointly organized by the Igbo Traders Football Association (ITFA) and the Kwara Igbo Traders Association (KWAITA), reached its climax, where football lovers gathered to witness the high-tempo contest.

Both Ọjà Tuntun and Baboko displayed tactical discipline, teamwork, and hunger throughout the 90 minutes to outplay each other, but had to settle the encounter through penalties.

In the third place match decided earlier, Agaka defeated Oja Oba 2-0, tó claim bronze.

The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, who represented Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON), commended the organizers and participating teams for using football as a platform to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and youth engagement across the state.

He noted that grassroots sporting events like that remain central to the Governor’s vision for community development and talent discovery.

He assured the association of the government’s continued support for initiatives that strengthen social cohesion and provide opportunities for young people to thrive.

The Kwara FA Chairman, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, said that the initiative promotes togetherness and that his association will continue to encourage grassroots football to meaningfully engage the youths.

He described it as one of the open opportunities in the state, even as he pledged support to the project.

Speaking after the match, Chairman of KWAITA, Chief Bona Udoka Chukwuemeka, applauded the spirit of sportsmanship demonstrated by all participating teams. He gave special praise to the Igbo community in Ilorin, noting their exceptional cooperation, peaceful conduct, and unwavering support for the tournament.

According to him, the Igbo community played a significant role in ensuring the smooth organization of the championship, adding that their enthusiasm further strengthened the tournament’s long-standing reputation as a platform for bonding across tribes and backgrounds.

He expressed fulfillment with the successful outcome of the initiative, which, according to him, lived up to its billing as a ‘Unity’ competition.

ITFA Chairman Romans Okoye Ogbumma, also commended the unity showcased by various groups, stressing that the competition continues to serve as a bridge-builder in the metropolis.

He described the competition as colourful, attributing its success to the collective commitment of all stakeholders. He said that next year’s edition will be more glamorous.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Peter Chukwu Amankwa, praised the quality of football displayed by the teams and reaffirmed the organizers’ resolve to sustain the championship as a developmental platform for young talents. He congratulated Ọjà Tuntun for their outstanding performance and consistency.

The ITFA Ambassador, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, also hailed the collaborative spirit that defined the tournament, emphasizing that football remains a unifying tool capable of bridging ethnic differences.

According to him, the Igbos are united not only among themselves but also with the host community because sports, especially football, are a unifying factor, adding that the host community gave them the enabling atmosphere to operate.

Among the individual prize winners are Nnamani Ebuka of Ọjà Oba, who emerged as Highest Goal Scorer with 6 goals; Obodo Chinedu of Ọjà Tuntun, who emerged as Best Goalkeeper; Nonso Okpara of Ọjà Tuntun, as Best Defender; and Ike Chinedu of Baboko, as the Most Valuable Player.

Ọjà Ago won the Best Behaved Team prize, Denco Dennis Okolo of Muritala emerged as the Oldest Player, and Coach Uche of Ọjà Tuntun won the Best Coach of the tournament prize. Referee Ibrahim Ajao was chosen as the Best Referee of the competition.

With the successful completion of this year’s ITFA/KWAITA Unity Cup, stakeholders expressed optimism that the competition will continue to grow, attract more sponsors, and remain a beacon of unity in Ilorin’s football ecosystem.