Kwara United Football Club received a hero’s welcome in Ilorin on Monday following their landmark triumph in the 2025 President Federation Cup, defeating Abakaliki FC 4–3 on penalties after a goalless final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The victory marks the club’s first-ever national cup title and the first for Kwara State in the competition’s history.
Supporters began assembling at Eyenkorin from 11:00 a.m. to greet the team, who arrived in Ilorin at 12:10 p.m. after departing Lagos early in the morning. The Harmony Boys paraded the trophy through Eyenkorin, Geri Alimi, and Taiwo Road, before arriving at the Government Banquet Hall for an official reception.
The grand celebration was sponsored by Ambassador Abdulfatah Yahaya Seriki, in recognition of the team’s historic feat.
During the reception, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced a reward of ₦5 million and a plot of land for each player and official. He described the achievement as a momentous milestone and dedicated the victory to the late Alhaji Yusuf Salami and Alhaji Sanni (Yusuf Salam Rock), who came close to winning the title in 1976.
Governor AbdulRazaq also pledged that his administration would upgrade the state stadium to meet CAF Confederation Cup standards, referencing recent investments in sports facilities, including Africa’s largest squash court and ongoing renovations of the Indoor Sports Hall.
“The Federation Cup remains Nigeria’s most prestigious football competition — even before the league era,” he said. “Kwara United has now inscribed its name in gold.”
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