*Alalade credits Kwara United, ABS for career growth
Super Eagles winger and FC Pari Nizhny Novgorod of Russia player, Olusegun Olakunle, has urged organisers of the recent novelty football match between Kwara-based and foreign-based players to sustain the initiative as an annual event.
Speaking after the match, at Rashidi Yekini Main-Bowl George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin, the former ABS FC player described the novelty match as a veritable tool for promoting unity among Kwara footballers playing both at home and abroad.
According to him, the event provided an opportunity for players to reconnect with friends, senior colleagues and teammates, describing the experience as a privilege.
“It has been a great moment for every player because seeing your friends, elderly ones and brothers together, playing together, has been a privilege. The game was good,” he said.
Olakunle expressed hope that the organisers would continue with the initiative, noting that players would be willing to support future editions.
“We are going to see more of this. It depends on the organisers. If they continue this, definitely we will support it. I think this is the first edition,” he added.
Speaking on Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the winger described it as a disappointing moment for the players.
“The Super Eagles missing the 2026 World Cup is a bad moment for the players. And that was the second consecutive time. I believe it is a lesson for us and I pray we are going to learn from it,” Olakunle stated.
Meanwhile, former Kwara United prolific striker and ex-U23 player, Wasiu Alalade, has dismissed insinuations that he was unhappy leaving Kwara United for a foreign club last season, declaring that he remains part of the Harmony Boys family.
Alalade, who currently plies his trade in Iraq, said his football journey would be incomplete without acknowledging the impact of Kwara United and ABS FC on his career, noting that both clubs played significant roles in his development and success.
“I will continue to be part of Kwara United. Leaving the club is a sign of progress and development in my football career,” he said.
He also commended the organisers of the novelty match for bringing home-based and foreign-based players together in an electrifying atmosphere that promotes bonding and unity, stressing that the initiative should not be a one-off event.
According to him, such gatherings provide a platform for strengthening relationships and fostering unity among players.
Alalade recently donated football materials, including footballs, jerseys and kits, to clubs in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State as part of his social responsibility efforts aimed at giving back to his immediate community.
