Senator Sulaiman Sadiq Umar has congratulated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for leading Kwara State to victory on all fronts, and for the success achieved by Kwara United in the ongoing 2015 President Federation Cup competition.

Senator Umar, representing Kwara North at the National Assembly has continued to sustain support for the team, including a recent donation of N2million, ahead of the semi-final clash with Rangers International on Wednesday.

While also congratulating the management of the team, players and officials, the Senator said that the victory is as a result of Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to the development of youth and sports.

“Our Governor, Mallam AbdulRazaq has demonstrated tremendous support for the development of sports, through infrastructural development and support for sports participation, and the result is evidenced in the various successes being attained.

“The victory of Kwara United over Rangers International FC yesterday, which guarantees qualification for the final of the competition for the first time in history, is also a justification for the commitment of the stakeholders and athletes.

Kwara United has not gone this far in the competition, but a private team from Kwara State, Alyuf Salam Rocks played in the final of the premier cup soccer competition 49 years ago.

A 51 minutes goal by Wasiu Alalade, through an assist by Junior Aimufua separated both teams, and was enough to seal Kwara United’s passage into the grand finale against Abakaliki United, which also defeated Ikorodu City 4-3 on penalties, after playing out a goalless draw at regulation time.

Far back in 1976, Rangers International defeated Alyuf Salam Rocks by 2-0 to win the trophy, and Kwara United’s victory yesterday over Rangers was not only seen as a revenge of the 1976 heartbreak, but also a victory that will serve as improvement in sports on all fronts in the state.