Kwara United head coach Tunde Sanni has urged the government of Kwara State to support the team CAF Confederation Cup aspirations as the they resume for the start of the 2025-26 season.
The Harmony Boys got the ticket to represent Nigeria in the CAF second tier club competition after they defeated Abakaliki FC in the final of the President Federation Cup on June 29th in Lagos and Sanni in a chat with the team’s media noted that they must now focus on their quest for continental glory.
Sanni, a former Heartland coach, informed that Kwara United would need more experienced players to beef up the squad to ensure they have a large squad now unlike the thin squad they had last season.
“It’s very simple. What I need is just a good pre-season of at least four weeks. Yes, four weeks. That’s the highest, when you are talking about pre-season,” Sanni told Kwara United Media.
“So many players want to join Kwara United now, because of our new found status. We have to bring in new tested players to tackle these challenges. We need to thank God that we have no injury worries throughout the season, because we had a relatively tiny squad.
“Therefore, there was no room for experiment at all. Anytime we make changes, it’s always a bit difficult. In the final of the Federation Cup for instance, our changes were tactical.
“People thought it’s not when you are not playing well that you can be substituted. No. So many things contributed to the changing of players, even if they are playing well. It’s not that the player is not playing well, but it’s a tactical issue. You can be playing well and not be productive.
“Our team isn’t yet complete. We have serious loopholes that we must block. I don’t want a situation where I will have only 12 or 13 players available for matches.
“I want a situation where all the players that will make the team will be completely good and fit to play anytime any day. The players that are coming will have to show class, and battle for shirts with those on ground. So that we can build a strong team.
“We know our team, and we know the calibre of the players we will need. The current squad is good, but some of them will go. I will give it to them because some of them played in the NPFL for the first time. It wasn’t easy, but we sacrificed.”
The victorious Kwara United Football Club at the Presidential Federation Cup winners have continued to receive accolades and garlands in the state.
The club had beaten their Abakaliki FC counterparts in a match that was decided through penalty shootouts following a 90-minute play. Kwara United’s triumph at the President Federation Cup marks a milestone achievement, ending a 49-year title drought.
The victory has positioned the club as a beacon of hope and pride for football development in the state.
The team made a triumphant entry from Lagos into Ilorin on Monday afternoon, with residents of the capital city waving their long motorcade from Eiyenkorin, Ilorin outskirts, down to the banquet hall in the downturn GRA where the state Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq hosted the players.
At the event the governor gifted each of the Kwara United players five million naira and a plot of land at the exclusive Kwara Smart City, commending them for making the state proud.
“This is the biggest trophy in Nigeria today. It is bigger than the League Cup. This has been in existence even before the League was formed. The trophy is in Kwara, Today. I must congratulate everybody who has made it happen,” the Governor said at the reception, recalling how the administration had invested to turn around the team.
“When we came in 2019, everything was down. We were owing players a lot of money, but today the story has changed. So, I thank you all for what you are doing.
“Our administration is dedicating this trophy in memory of Alhaji Yusuf Salami, who spent his entire wealth without government support to bring in this trophy to Kwara, but he didn’t succeed. May Allah grant him Alijanna Fridaous.”
AbdulRazaq specifically commended the team, Coach Magaji, Kumbi, and the entire management for their dedication to rewriting the story of the Football Club.
Also in a heartfelt gesture of solidarity and celebration, the Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari donated a giant cow to Kwara United Football Club in recognition of their historic triumph in the President Federation Cup.
The Emir received the victorious Harmony Boys at his palace where he commended their resilience, discipline, and determination throughout the tournament.
He urged the team to build on this success as they prepare for upcoming FA Cup and Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaigns.
“All eyes are now on you. You are the cynosure of Kwara state following this triumph, which had eluded us since the creation of the state,” the monarch said.
He encouraged the players to remain focused and emulate the late Rashidi Yekini, a football icon and son of Kwara, whose unwavering dedication to the sport remains an inspiration.
The emir also dedicated the victory to Governor AbdulRazaq, acknowledging the state government’s critical support and provision of resources that enabled the team’s participation and success.
Reacting to all these gestures, Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji described the five million Naira and land donations to each players of the victorious players by the governor as unprecedented in the annals of Sports in the state.
Mallam Mogaji added that, “the memory of the hosting of our players by the Governor would forever remain evergreen, not only in their minds, but the entire residents of the state. Governor AbdulRazaq have changed the narrative as regards sports development in Kwara State.
The chairman also said, it was a remarkable achievement for the state to win divergent tournaments same month and seized the opportunity to also disclose that the governor had approved N1 million Naira for gold, N500,000.00 for sliver and N300,000.00 naira for bronze medallists in the just concluded National Sports Festival tagged; Gateway Games in Ogun State.
The sport administrator recalled that Governor AbdulRazaq gave cars to two outstanding athletes who won medals for the state, in Delta State last year
He assured their coaches would also be taken into consideration adding that what belongs to them would be rolled out soonest.
Lending its commendation, the state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) congratulated state on the historic victory of the club, while calling for greater media inclusion in the state’s sports development agenda.
In a statement jointly signed by its Vice Chairman, Toyin Saheed, and Secretary, Dare Kuti, the association described the cup victory as a well-deserved reward for the governor’s unwavering support and investment in sports, particularly his consistent sponsorship of the state’s flagship football club.
“Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to sports has yielded this sweet and historic result for Kwara United. The Federation Cup victory is a testament to what sustained support and vision can achieve,” the statement read.
Kwara United have won the 2025 President Federation Cup men’s title after a 4-3 penalty shootout win against Abakaliki FC in the final.
The Harmony Boys defeated Abakaliki FC 4-3 on penalties after the game finished goalless in regulation time.
The 2025 President Federation Cup final was keenly contested between Abakaliki FC and Kwara United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday.
Abakaliki FC, who defeated the likes of Enyimba, Katsina United, Nasarawa, and Ikorodu City on their way to reaching the final, settled in quickly and could have taken the lead. Striker Okoro Chukwudi met a beautiful cross with his head, but he could not direct his effort on target.
On the other end, the best chance of the half fell to Junior Aimufua, but his attempt came off the upright as the two teams went into the break even.
After the interval, chances were few between the two clubs as the time was ticking away. Former Enyimba striker Wasiu Alalade thought he had scored the game’s opening goal, but it was chalked off for offside.
At the end of regulation time, the final went straight to penalties. Kwara United, who missed their first spotkick through Aķanni Akeem, scored the remaining four goals as Abakaliki missed two of their last three, to emerge 4-3 winners.
As winners of the competition, Kwara United will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2025-26 season.
Despite their relegation to the Nigeria Nationwide League, Abakaliki FC will face-off with Kwara United in the grand finale of this year’s national cup final in Lagos. Both sides are eyeing their Holy Grail in what is reasonably a clash between ‘David’ and ‘Goliath’ , writes TUNDE LIADI …
The stage is set for the 2025 President Federation Cup with the two battling for the men’s title, Kwara United and Abakaliki FC at the ready to treat the spectators at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos to the best of football spectacle.
It is the grand finale of the most iconic club competition in Nigeria and two teams without previous success in the competition will be eager to etch their name on the coveted trophy for the first time in their history.
Road to the final
Abakaliki FC with Ifeanyi Onyedika as head coach, has withstood many hurdles before qualifying for the President Federation Cup final. Paired against Yobe Desert Stars in the round of 32 , Abakaliki FC defied the odds to win the game 4-3 on penalties after they both tied goalless draw in regulation time.
Next in the Round of 16 for Abakaliki FC was Enyimba who came into the fixture at the back of eliminating the reigning champions, El Kanemi Warriors.
As such, the People’s Elephant were tipped to progress to the quarter final but the result at the end of the game was a shocking as Abakaliki FC stunned their more illustrious opponent 2-0 to continue their fairy-tale run in the competition.
It was the turn of Nasarawa United to feel the wrath of the Rice Boys in the quarter final. The game ended in a 2-2 draw at the end of the regulation time before Pascal Elochukwu’s brilliance in goal during the spot kick, saw Abakaliki FC triumph 5-4 on penalties.
Abakaliki FC had Ikorodu City FC to face in the semi-final with pundits and purists giving the game to the Oga Boys based on their performance in the competition also where they had beaten Beyond Limits and Wikki Tourists earlier in the competition.
Yet the Ifeanyi Onyedika-led side was not perturbed. They relied on their skills and kept on doing almost the same thing that had kept them in the competition. Abakaliki FC eventually edged Ikorodu City 5-4 on penalties to book their place in the grand finale.
Though they were not coordinated enough to secure their spot in the Nigeria National League for next season following their demotion at the end of the recently concluded season, Abakaliki FC, finds solace with their qualification for the final.
Kwara United on the other hand have crushed all their opponents along the way and conceded once in the dramatic quarter final’s victory over Akwa United. Prior to that, they defeated Cynosure FC of Abakaliki 2-0 in the round of 64 before dispatching Gombe United 1-0. Solution FC came and fell 3-0 in the Round of 32 and Gombe United became unlucky too in the Round of 16 losing 1-0 to the Harmony Boys.
They faced Nigeria Premier Football League opposition and twice winners of the FA Cup, Akwa United in the quarter final. It was a quarter final to relish after they shared four goals equally between themselves 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes before Kwara United pulled through on 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory.
Thereafter, Kwara United squared up against Rangers International FC who were the winner of the competition in 2018 and were finalists in 2023. The Flying Antelopes were the favourites to qualify for the final but Wasiu Alalade moment of brilliance in the second half was all Kwara United needed to seal a famous win in Lagos.
It is this same venue they would be returning to face the surprise package of this year’s edition of the competition, Abakaliki FC, tomorrow at the MJ Arena in Onikan.
The President Federation Cup previously called FA Cup, Challenge or Federation Cup, is not new to shocks and surprises with Bayelsa United’s stunning victory over Nasarawa United in 2021 still fresh in minds of many in 2021 when the Prosperity Boys were still in the Nigeria National League.
Recall also the 1984 edition when Leventis United of Ibadan did the unthinkable by beating equally Abiola Babes 1-0 through Matthew Onyema’s goal to lift the FA Cup while in the third tier of the Nigerian league. It is equivalent to Nigeria Nationwide League One today.
This time, both Kwara United and Abakaliki FC, are chasing a dream victory for obvious reasons.
No club from Ebonyi State has ever gone this far in the President Federation Cup while the last time a club from Kwara State came close to winning the competition was in 1976 when Alyufsalam Rocks got to the final but were beaten 2-0 by Rangers International FC in the grand finale.
Some 49 years have passed since then.
Kwara United head coach, Tunde Sanni sees the Harmony Boys as the underdogs of the 2025 President Federation Cup because no one gave them a chance to get to the final but noted that with the support of all, they are eager to end their 49 years wait for title.
“We are the Surprise team of the FA Cup this year. We, as an old State, have waited for 49 years to get to this stage. A stage Alyufsalam Rocks got to in 1976, before Enugu Rangers stopped them with 2 unreplied goals, to lift the cup,” Sanni said. “Ironically, it is the same Rangers that we stopped in the semis before getting here now. So, we are on a mission. Our Continental ticket is waiting for us.”
The coach further stressed that they have prepared very well for the final with their arrival in Lagos eight days before the game a testament that they were ready to stop Abakaliki FC and end Kwara State teams close to five decades of title drought.
He also emphasised the support they have got from their fans and the assurance that they would throng Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos on Saturday in their numbers to cheer the team to win.
For coach Onyedika, Abakaliki FC is motivated to win the title for Ebonyi people which has never got to this Stage of the competition before.
Onyedika enthused that Kwara United will be playing with fire to underrate his glory-chasing lads.
“This is a competition we have prepared to win for Ebonyi people. We have prepared so hard and dissipated our energies to ensure we are ready to perform on Saturday,” Onyedika said.”It is left for Kwara United to take us for granted. It will be to their own peril. It is our desire to win the cup and take it home for our Governor.
Abakaliki FC are still in the President Federation Cup because of the heroics of goalkeeper Pascal Elochukwu.
In three of the four previous games played in the earlier rounds going to penalty shot, Elochukwu made some crucial saves that kept the club in the competition.
He reckoned his side are ready to put Kwara United where they belong as he called on their fans to come cheer them to victory.
“We have had a good run in this year’s FA Cup and it is our desire to win it. We will show that we are capable of winning the trophy,” Elochukwu said.
Meanwhile, before the Men’s President Federation Cup final, the Women’s will slug it out too with Rivers Angels versus Nasarawa Amazons in line to contest for the title.
Both teams have crushed all opponents in their directions including Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, Remo Stars Ladies among others.
The women’s President Federation Cup final will start by 1pm tomorrow at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
Rivers Angels are eyeing a 10th FA Cup crown while Nasarawa Amazons are not to be taken for granted too.
The semi-final matches of this year’s President Federation Cup competition (men’s version) will take place tomorrow in Lagos and Abuja, with former champions Enugu Rangers up against Kwara United of
Ilorin while emerging power Ikorodu City take on surprise packets Abakaliki FC in Abuja.
The clash between NPFL teams Rangers and Kwara United will come up at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos while Ikorodu City and Abakaliki FC will sort things out at the Bwari Stadium in Abuja. Both games will kick-off at 4pm.
To get to this stage, Rangers eliminated former champions Kano Pillars in the Round of 64, as well as Heartland FC, Bendel Insurance and Plateau United in subsequent rounds. On their part, Kwara United sent packing Cynosure from Ebonyi State in the Round of 64, and then got the better of Gombe United, Solution FC and Akwa United in the rounds that followed.
Abakaliki FC, bumped Yobe Desert Stars in the Round of 64, and also overcame Katsina United, Enyimba FC and Nasarawa United in subsequent rounds. Ikorodu City edged Sunshine Stars U19 team on penalties in the Round of 64, and have also beaten Crown FC, Beyond Limits FC and Wikki Tourists to get to the penultimate round.
Semi Finals (Men)
21-05-25: Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi) Vs Ikorodu City (Lagos) – Bwari, Abuja-4pm
21-05-25: Kwara United (Kwara) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu) – MJA, Lagos -4pm
Semi Finals (Women)
24-05-25: Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Ibom Angels (Akwa Ibom) – Aba -1pm
24-05-25: Edo Queens (Edo) Vs Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) – Ayingba-1pm
In-form Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan will be eager to trim Remo Stars’ lead at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League table to five points when they face Kwara United tomorrow in a rescheduled Matchday 20 tie.
This would happen if 3SC secure the maximum points in the encounter at the main bowl of the Rashid Yekini Stadium, Ilorin.
3SC managed to beat Kwara United 1-0 in the reverse fixture last December but they will be up against the Harmony Boys who are desirous of the three points to move to the top half of the table having got beaten 2-1 in Lagos by Ikorodu City last weekend.
The Oluyole Warriors are second in the league with 40 points, eight points behind log leaders Remo Stars but have played a game less than the Sky Blue Stars.
3SC goes into tomorrow’s tie having ended the seven game unbeaten streak of Bendel Insurance on Sunday with a 1-0 victory courtesy of Godwin Odibo’s strike to make it seven wins and a draw in their last eight games.
Shooting Stars have recorded two wins and a draw in their last three away games conceding just one goal in the process and will be looking to take the form to Ilorin to face Kwara United.
Enyimba have ended their five-match winless streak in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL)by securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.
Enyimba’s desperation for a win was palpable, given their recent poor form, which led to their elimination from the CAF Confederations Cup and a drop to ninth place on the NPFL table.
Their opponents, Lobi Stars, were also struggling in the relegation zone, mired in a four-match winless run, with one goal scored in their previous four matches, leaving them languishing in 19th place.
But yesterday, Enyimba started the match on the front foot, adopting an aggressive approach that pressured Lobi Stars into making mistakes. Their efforts paid off in the 40th minute when Ifeanyi Ihemekwele scoring the opening goal and the only goal of the match .
Enyimba’s hard-fought victory propelled them to eighth place on the NPFL table, with 31 points from 21 matches.
Meanwhile, Lobi Stars’ struggles continue, leaving them on 19th place with 21 points from 22 games.
In other games played yesterday, Bendel Insurance pinned Katsina United 1-0 through Julius Emiloju’s 27th minute strike while Rangers snapped their two games losing streak at home with a 2-0 victory over Ikorodu City.
Godwin Obaje and Isaac Saviour with the goals in the 45th and 89th minutes.
In Ilorin, Wasiu Alalade and Wasiu Jimoh were both on the score sheet for Kwara United in their 2-0 home win over El Kanemi Warriors.
Rangers fought back in Ilorin before securing a 1-1 draw against Kwara United in a Nigeria Premier Football League their delayed Matchday Nine tie played yesterday at the Kwara Sports Complex.
The Flying Antelopes went behind in the 42nd minute through Shola Abdulraheem’s goal for the Harmony Boys but the NPFL’s reigning champions equalised three minutes later through Kingsley Maduforo.
The draw takes Rangers to ninth position on the log with12 points while Kwara United are in 12th spot with 11 points.
In another game, Lobi Stars returned to winning ways beating Bayelsa United 2-1 at the Lafia City Stadium.
Ossy Martins scored twice for his fifth goal of the season from five games for the Pride of Benue. Yahaya Ibrahim got the Prosperity Boys’ lone goal from the penalty spot.
Despite playing a draw at home to El Kanemi Warriors in the latest game of the Nigeria Premier Football League which entered Matchday Nine, Rivers United are still on top of the table with 21 points.
Matchday Nine games were characterized by home wins bar the drawn game between Rivers United and El Kanemi Warriors as well as the Kwara United versus Rangers tie.
El-kanemi Warriors made life difficult for the Pride of Rivers despite playing with 10 men for the entirety of the second half to ensure a 1-1 stalemate at full time. The Borno Army are sixth on the log with 13 points.
Samaila Bello got the visitors ahead in Port Harcourt before Taofeek Olaniyi equalised two minutes later for the hosts.
In Jos, Plateau United pummelled Sunshine Stars 3-0, thanks to Sadiq Abubakar’s brace and Vincent Temitope’s strike. The win keeps the Peace Boys in the fourth spot with 14 points but the Owena Whales slid to seventh with 13 points.
In a battle of the masters and the newbies, Enyimba took all three points after a 2-1 win over Ikorodu City in Aba.
Ifeanyi Ihemekwele and Moses Adukwu stroke for the People’s Elephant in Aba, while Toyeeb Ajeyigbe scored for “Oga Boys”. The visitors has equalised in the 88th minute before the People’s Elephant managed to win from Adukwu”s stoppage time goal.
Enyimba remain in third spot with 17 points while Ikorodu City are 19th with eight points.
Heartland ran out 1-0 winners over Remo Stars in Owerri. Peters Afolayan’s 71st minute goal proved decisive for the Naze Millionaires who moved away from the relegation zone in 16th spot with nine points. The Sky Blue Stars are second with 18 points.
Goals by Gideon Monday and Akpan Joshua gave Shooting Stars a 2-1 win over Akwa United, who got a late lifeline through Friday Apollos, but time ran out to deny the Promise Keepers a comeback.
Anas Yusuf took his season’s tally to nine goals – firing Nasarawa United to a 1-0 win over Kano Pillars in Lafia.
Earlier on Saturday, Abia Warriors got their first win over Bendel Insurance in the topflight after a 1-0 win in Benin City. Sunday Megwo with the lone goal in the 40th minute which lifts Abia Warriors to the fifth spot with 14 points.
In Katsina, Katsina United were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Niger Tornadoes. Papa Daniel got the Ikon Allah Boys opener in the 42nd minute but Lukman Bello restored parity for the home team in the 54th minute.
These players are an addition to the existing 18 team members in preparation for the upcoming season.
Among the notable additions are Ifeanyi Ogba, a former attacking player from Rangers International, Oyeleso Suraj, a seasoned NPFL player from Plateau United, and Akani Akeem from Sporting Lagos.
During the unveiling event at the prestigious Sugar Film Factory in Ilorin, General Manager of the club, Bashir Badawi revealed the meticulous process involved in recruiting the players.
“We conducted scouting trips in Ikenne, Ogun, Lagos, and Bayelsa to ensure we selected a well-balanced group of players for the season. As evident from the players presented, we have successfully curated a mix of youthful talent and seasoned professionals,” Badawi remarked.
Presenting detailed match data and statistics from various tournaments held in the aforementioned states, the club’s general manager highlighted Kwara United’s formidable reputation in the league.
“We have displayed exceptional defensive prowess, having triumphed over esteemed clubs such as Al Merikkh of Sudan, a renowned continental powerhouse.
“With ample time remaining in our training regimen, I can confidently affirm that our players will be primed to deliver outstanding performances once the league commences,” he stated.
Kwara United will continue their build up to the start of the 2024-25 season with a visit to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos as guest of Ikorodu City in a friendly match today.
In a press statement from the club media, the Harmony Boys said they do not want to leave any stone unturned in ensuring a seamless 2024/25 league campaign and that a friendly game with Ikorodu City will help gauge the level of their preparedness.
Kwara United had played against FC Ebedei, Toma FC, Unity FC, and Sudanese league champions, Al-Merrikh, in warm up games.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 pm at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
The club’s General Manager, Mallam Bashir Badawiy, emphasized the team’s commitment to thorough prepare for the upcoming season.
He noted that the test matches conducted so far have highlighted areas for improvement, which the coaching staffs are diligently addressing.
“We are unwavering in our focus and fully prepared to bring joy to the football enthusiasts of Kwara,” said Badawiy.
He commended the unwavering support of the club Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye towards the club’s preparation, emphasizing that his cooperation and understanding is unprecedented.
“Our participation in high-quality friendly matches has primed us for the league ahead. We will persist in our efforts to build a formidable team that garners universal approval.
