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 Kwara United Ex-Players Hail Governor AbdulRazaq Over ₦201m Sign-On Fee Payment Former players of Kwara United Football Club have expressed profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his magnanimity in settling outstanding sign-on fees spanning the 2014/15, 2015/16, and 2016/17 football seasons, amounting to ₦201 million. In a statement issued by the group, the ex-players described the governor's intervention as commendable and a reflection of his administration’s commitment to the sustained development of sports in the state. Speaking on behalf of the group, Akeem Onigbari, the spokesperson, said the gesture demonstrates Governor AbdulRazaq's unwavering dedication to the welfare of athletes across all sectors of sports in Kwara. The group also lauded the Kwara State Sports Commission and the management of Kwara United for their collaborative efforts in ensuring proper documentation, which paved the way for the final settlem...

 “Go Win It!” – Mogaji Backs Bolaji for British Para Badminton Crown The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Mogaji, has congratulated Nigeria’s para badminton sensation, Eniola Mariam Bolaji, on reaching the final of the prestigious 2025 British & Irish Para Badminton International in Cardiff, Wales. Eniola, a Paralympic bronze medalist and a dominant force in the women’s SL3 category, produced a masterclass performance in Thursday’s semifinal, defeating Australia’s Celine Vinot 21-4, 21-8 in straight sets. The emphatic win sets up a highly anticipated final clash against the current world number one, Syakuroh Qonitah of Indonesia. In a statement released on Thursday, Mallam Mogaji praised the Ilorin-born athlete for her resilience, global excellence, and consistency, describing her as “a true ambassador of Kwara State and a shining symbol of what hard work and belief can achieve.” “We are extremely proud of Eniola Mariam Bolaji. Her journe...

 Kwara's Badminton Gems Aim for Glory at Inaugural African School Games Kwara State’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in youth sports has once again been reaffirmed as two of its emerging badminton stars, Adekunle Feranmi and Adekunle Oluwabotemi, have been selected to represent Nigeria at the 1st African School Sports Games taking place in Algiers, Algeria. The multi-sport event, which brings together top student-athletes from across the continent, officially opens on Friday, July 26, 2025, and will run until August 5, 2025. Designed to promote unity, healthy competition, and grassroots talent development, the Games mark a major milestone for school sports in Africa. Feranmi and Oluwabotemi earned their spots on Team Nigeria following their standout performances at the national school trials. Their selection reflects not only their individual brilliance but also Kwara State's rising prominence in national and continental badminton circles. Guiding them through the tournamen...

 ZLP Chieftain Greets Etsu Tsaragi on 70th Birthday, Lauds Royal Wisdom The National Vice Chairman (North Central) of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Alhaji Usman Danjuma Tsaragi, has extended warm felicitations to the Etsu Tsaragi, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, on the occasion of his 70th birthday celebration. In a statement issued on Friday, Alhaji Danjuma Tsaragi described the Etsu as an embodiment of peace and a selfless leader whose life has positively impacted the lives of his subjects. He thanked Almighty Allah for granting the revered monarch yet another year in good health and wisdom. According to the ZLP chieftain, the prevailing peaceful coexistence and steady socio-economic development in Tsaragi are testaments to the Etsu’s unwavering commitment to the growth and unity of the community. "I congratulate our royal father on the occasion of his 70th birthday. It gladdens my heart to see our father aging gracefully and remaining steadfast in his se...

Alhaji Mualim Mohammed Baba Iliyas Turbaned as 3rd Daudu Egbejila Wara Osin Alhaji Mualim Mohammed Baba Iliyas was on Friday turbaned as the 3rd Daudu of Egbejila Wara Osin by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, at a colourful ceremony held at the Emir’s Palace. The Emir, in his remarks, attributed the conferment of the prestigious title to the unwavering commitment, humility, and dedication of the new Daudu, urging him to sustain his good character as widely acknowledged by the community. Alhaji Sulu-Gambari further charged the newly turbaned Daudu to emulate his predecessor, particularly in addressing the indiscriminate sale of land, and to prioritize peace, unity, and socio-economic development within the Egbejila community. The revered monarch offered prayers for the success of the new Daudu and for continued peace and prosperity in Ilorin Emirate. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including: Balogun Alanamu, Dr. Usman Jos, the first Makama of Ilorin...

Ilorin Set for Historic Turbaning of Baba Iliyas as Egbejila’s 3rd Daudu Preparations are in top gear for the turbaning ceremony of Alhaji Mualim Mohammed Baba Iliyas as the 3rd Daudu of Egbejila Wara Osin, with a series of events scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 24, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. According to the official programme released by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), activities will commence with a special prayer at Balogun Alanamu’s residence by 11:30 AM, followed by a lecture organized by the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria (Ilorin Branch) at 2:00 PM. A Waka night (Islamic praise singing) will take place between 10:00 PM and 12 midnight to round off the day’s events. The main turbaning ceremony will be held on Friday, July 25, at 10:00 AM at the Emir’s Palace, where His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, is expected to officially turban the new Daudu. This will be followed by a grand reception and entertainment featuring p...

Remain on the Path of Justice and Development, Sheikh Alfulani Tells Kwara Governor Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been urged to remain a father to all citizens of Kwara State, as governance is a tool meant to include everyone regardless of political affiliation or social status. This call was made by Sheikh Ahmad Alfulani, CEO of Sebilu Najat Concept, during his weekly Friday programme on Sobi FM, Ilorin. Dr. Alfulani, who reinforced his message with references from Islamic poetry, acknowledged that while the Governor has the exclusive right to associate and appoint whomever he wishes, he must be wary of sycophants, backbiters, and those who may not align with his vision. The Islamic scholar, on-air personality, and social media influencer warned against those he described as "green snakes under green grass," advising the Governor to be cautious of individuals whose loyalty may not be genuine. “Yes, His Excellency has the constitutional right to appoint and relate with ...

Visionary Leadership: Governor AbdulRazaq Recognised for Driving Sports Growth In recognition of his exceptional commitment and contributions to sports development in Kwara State, Abdul Momoh Photography on Friday presented an Award of Recognition to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq during a reception held in honour of athletes who represented the state at the recently concluded National Sports Festival (NSF). The award was received on behalf of the Governor by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Mogaji. Governor AbdulRazaq, who has continued to demonstrate unwavering support for sports, also rewarded the state’s medal-winning athletes with ₦1 million for gold medalists, ₦500,000 for silver, and ₦300,000 for bronze medalists. The gesture, widely applauded, is seen as a major step towards encouraging and motivating athletes for future championships. According to Abdul Momoh, the recognition was inspired by Governor AbdulRazaq’s numerous achievements in...

Kwara United’s Afeez Bankole Scores for Super Eagles B in CHAN Friendly Win Kwara United left-back, Afeez Bankole, was on the scoresheet for the Super Eagles B in their 2–0 victory over Ojodu City FC in a friendly match played on Friday, as preparations continue for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN). The home-based Eagles, under the watchful eye of Coach Eric Chelle, are fine-tuning their strategies ahead of the tournament. Anthony Ijoma opened the scoring in the 51st minute, before Bankole, fondly called "Spegy" by fans, sealed the win with a composed finish in the 87 minutes. Bankole’s goal further cements his growing reputation and validates his call-up to the national camp. He has continued to impress the technical crew with his solid defensive contributions and attacking instincts from the flanks.  “I will continue to work hard and show composure for the team,” Bankole said after the match, expressing his commitment to the national cause. The friendly matc...

 5th Abia National Open Para- Badminton Championship ends on a high as hosts Abia retains number one spot . Host state, Abia emerged overall winners of the 5th edition of the para-badminton open championship which ended Thursday in Umuahia the state capital with a total of 17 Medals(5 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze), Plateau state took the second position with eight medals overall(4 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze), Ogun state placed third with a total of five medals (3 gold and 2 bronze), Kwara state emerged fourth with 3 gold medals, whereas Imo state state completed the top five with a total of nine medals overall (1 gold, 5 silver and three bronze). Others were Rivers in sixth position winning a total of three medals (1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze, followed by Kebbi state on seventh with 1 gold and 1 silver, Delta won one gold to place 8th, Akwa Ibom state finished ninth with 2 silver medal while Bayelsa state went home with a total of five medals (1 silver and 4 bronze) to finish 10t...

 Women Take the Field as Monimak Softball Championship Kicks Off in Ilorin Kwara State, alongside Ondo, Osun, and Bayelsa, is set to compete for honours in the 3rd edition of the Monimak Senior Softball Championship, which officially commenced at the Adewole Baseball Park in Ilorin. The championship, exclusively for women, is organized by Monimak Global Softball in collaboration with the Kwara State Softball and Baseball Association, and is supported by the Softball Federation of Nigeria. Speaking during the press conference held ahead of the competition, the organiser, Mrs. Monishola Yemisi Mokanjuola, highlighted that the tournament is designed to sustain and expand awareness of baseball and softball, particularly among female athletes. “This edition is specially tailored for women, and it's also part of our preparations for the national softball tournament in Kenya later this year,” she said, assuring that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and successf...

ATHLETES SHINE IN FINAL MEDAL PUSH AT 5TH ABIA NATIONAL PARA-BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP. Participating athletes at the ongoing Abia National Para-Badminton Championship are recounting their experiences ahead of the grand finale of the event slated for Thursday 17 July 2025 at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia. Speaking with sports journalists covering the event multiple award winning Nnanna Jeremiah representing Abia in male single SL4 as well as doubles event rated the competition at par with international standards. The 23 year old olympian and top ranked player on the African continent in his class said he is ready both physically and mentally ahead of his final game in the men's singles as he commended the local organizing committee and other players for the fresh challenge opportunity to prepare ahead of upcoming international competitions. Also speaking, debutant and youngest male para-athlete at the tournament, 16 year old Japhet Unana and Mary Nathan both represent...

Emir of Ilorin to Turban Mohammed Baba Iliyas as Daudu Egbejila July 25 Preparations are in top gear for the grand turbaning ceremony of Alhaji Mualim Mohammed Baba Iliyas as the 3rd Daudu Egbejila Wara Osin in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. The ceremony will be performed by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on Friday, 25th July 2025, at the Emir’s Palace, Ilorin, starting at 9:00 AM. According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee,  Dr Bola Moshood Otubu, the event will be preceded by a special lecture organized by the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria on Thursday, 24th July 2025, beginning at 4:00 PM, as part of the spiritual and cultural build-up to the historic occasion. On the day of the turbaning, a ceremonial procession will commence from Balogun Alanamu’s Quarters to the Emir’s Palace at 8:00 AM, marking the traditional passage of the Daudu-elect to his new royal role. Following the official ceremony, a...

Softball Fever Grips Ilorin! Monimak Championship Set to Ignite Adewole Park No fewer than 12 states from across Nigeria will converge in Ilorin for the 3rd edition of the Monimak Senior Softball Championship, scheduled to hold from Wednesday, 16th July to Saturday, 19th July, 2025. The championship is organized by Monimak Global Softball in collaboration with the Kwara State Baseball and Softball Association, under the auspices of the Kwara State Sports Commission and supported by Nigeria Baseball and Softball Federation. All matches will take place at the Adewole Baseball Park, Ilorin, starting daily from 10:00 am. According to Mrs. Monisola Yemisi Mokanjuola, the lead organizer, the tournament is designed as a preparatory platform for women softball players ahead of the national championship scheduled for later this year. > “We are bringing no fewer than 12 states to Ilorin for this event. The goal is to assess the readiness of our women players and identify areas of improvement ...

 Taiwo Awoniyi a Pride of Kwara – Emir of Ilorin Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, has been described as a pride of Kwara State and a role model for aspiring footballers in the state. The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, made this remark while receiving the FA Cup champions, Kwara United (Harmony Boys) at his palace recently. The revered monarch commended Awoniyi for his humility and generosity, particularly recalling the player’s visit to him both in England during a holiday last year and later at the palace in Ilorin. He noted that Awoniyi's consistent acts of kindness and support for the football community are inspiring and worthy of emulation. “In Kwara State, after the late Rashidi Yekini, Taiwo Awoniyi is the next football brand we are proud of. His journey, discipline, and giving spirit should be a model for all young footballers,” the Emir said. He urged upcoming footballers in the state to strive for excellence and remain commit...

Kwara United Captain Presents President’s Cup Portrait to Emir of Ilorin Kwara United’s captain, AbdulAfeez Musa Olororo, on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, where he presented a framed portrait of the moment the President’s Cup was officially presented to the monarch last week. Describing Kwara United’s triumph at the 2024 President Federation Cup as historic, Olororo expressed deep pride in being the first indigenous captain to lead the Harmony Boys to such a milestone victory in nearly three decades. “This is a proud moment for me as an Ilorin-born skipper. To lift the Federation Cup after 29 years, and to present the trophy to our royal father, is a dream come true,” Olororo stated. He further eulogised the Emir for his consistent prayers and royal support for the team, attributing part of their success to the monarch’s blessings.  “Your Majesty’s prayers were instrumental. Our victory is not just for the club, but for Ilo...

 A Celebratory Tribute to a Media Icon at 60 Alhaji Abdullateef Adebowale Adedeji is a soft-spoken and diligent media executive whose legacy continues to resonate in both Kwara and Lagos states. His significant contributions to the media landscape—particularly through his leadership at the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Kwara)—have left an indelible mark on the industry. His journey as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Radio Kwara began on June 20, 2010, during the administration of Dr. Bukola Saraki. From the onset, Alhaji Adedeji brought innovation and transformation to the station. He introduced thought-provoking programmes that reflected the diversity and dynamism of the society, thereby reshaping the station's content to better serve its heterogeneous audience. Beyond programming, he prioritized capacity building. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning in media, he organized seminars and workshops for both senior and junior staff. I was pri...

Coach Abdulkadir Jimoh Extends Heartfelt Appreciation Following Best Coach Award Coach Abdulkadir Jimoh Kado of Kwara United U-19 team, winner of the Best Coach Award at the inaugural National U-19 Youth League, has expressed profound gratitude to all those who supported him on his journey to national recognition. In a statement, Coach Abdulkadir described his award as a collective achievement, attributing it to the unwavering dedication, encouragement, and mentorship of key stakeholders in Kwara football and beyond. He described his supporters as “pillars behind the success.” He specially appreciated the following individuals and bodies: Mr. Kumbi Titiloye, Chairman, Kwara United, and the entire management team Mallam Bola Mogaji, Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, and other top officers of the Commission Mallam Ibrahim Bako, Director of Sports, Sports Commission  Mallam Idris Musa Abdullahi (Thuraya), Chairman, Kwara Football Association The Sports Writers Association of Ni...

Kwara United U-19 Coach Abdulkadir Jimoh Dedicates Best Coach Award to Mentor Usman Biffo Kwara United U-19 coach, Abdulkadir Jimoh Kado, has dedicated his Best Coach Award at the just-concluded inaugural National U-19 Youth Super League to his mentor and football icon, Coach Usman Abdullahi Biffo. Coach Abdulkadir was named Coach of the Championship at the prestigious tournament held in Lagos from June 23rd to 29th, in recognition of his tactical discipline, technical acumen, and leadership throughout the competition. Reacting to the honour, Coach Jimoh credited his success to the unwavering support and mentorship of Coach Biffo, who he described as the driving force behind his coaching journey. > “I’m indebted to Coach Biffo for discovering me and inspiring me to pursue coaching. He shaped my interest, guided my path, and supported me through school and every step of my development. My life would be incomplete without his influence,” Coach Abdulkadir stated. “This award is not jus...

Kwara United’s Shola Abdulraheem and Yahaya Ibrahim Join Flying Eagles Camp Ahead of WAFU Competition Following their outstanding performances in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the President Federation Cup, Kwara United duo Shola Abdulraheem (creative midfielder) and Yahaya Ibrahim (energetic defender) have received national recognition, earning call-ups to the Flying Eagles (Nigeria U-20 team) currently camping in Abuja ahead of the WAFU tournament. The two players were instrumental in Kwara United’s historic run, helping the Harmony Boys secure their first-ever major national trophy—a feat that earned them widespread applause from fans and pundits alike. In separate interviews, both players expressed gratitude to Kwara United for providing them with a platform to showcase their talent, pledging to give their best in national colours. > “I'm elated with this invitation and ready to contribute my quota to the team,” said Shola Abdulraheem, whose creativit...

Kwara United’s Victor Adeoye Dedicates Federation Cup MVP Award to Teammates, Eyes Greater Success in NPFL and CAF Campaigns Victor Adeoye, Kwara United’s standout defensive midfielder, has attributed his Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the 2025 President Federation Cup to unwavering dedication, commitment, and the collective effort of his teammates in securing a historic title for the state. The hard-tackling midfielder, who played a pivotal role in all six matches of the tournament, was instrumental in solidifying the backline of the Harmony Boys, drawing widespread praise from fans and pundits alike. Reacting to the achievement, Adeoye said:  “This award is not just for me—I dedicate it to my teammates for their sacrifice, total commitment, and loyalty to the club. Nobody gave us a chance, but we thank God for guiding us to this long-awaited victory, the first national silverware in Kwara State’s history.” Adeoye’s impressive consistency and leadership on the pitch were crit...

Kwara United Acknowledge Receipt of ₦10 Million Federation Cup Reward from Ambassador Seriki, Set for 10-Day Break Kwara United Football Club has officially confirmed the receipt of the ₦10 million reward promised by Ambassador Abdulfatah Yahaya Seriki during the final of the President Federation Cup held last Saturday in Lagos. In a statement released on Monday, the Club Chairman, Mr. Kumbi Titiloye, through the General Manager, Mallam Bashir Badawiy, expressed deep appreciation to Ambassador Seriki for his unwavering dedication and support, which played a significant role in the club’s historic triumph. The club also acknowledged Ambassador Seriki’s earlier ₦5 million donation made during their NPFL fixture against Kano Pillars, noting that his consistent support underscores his strong political will and genuine commitment to complementing the Kwara State Government’s efforts in developing football across the state. As part of the team’s post-victory plans, Kwara United announced tha...