Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Chief Anthony “Zulu Authority” Adeboye, has hailed Kwara United FC and its U-19 team for achieving a historic “double” over the weekend — winning both the 2025 President Federation Cup and the inaugural National Youth League Cup.
Speaking shortly after the celebrations, Adeboye praised the teams’ steadfast dedication and unity, noting that their resolute mentality helped end a 28-year trophy drought for Kwara State.
“The mindset and determination of both teams played a pivotal role in breaking the 28-year jinx of national trophy drought for Kwara State,” Adeboye said. “This moment has rewritten Kwara’s name in gold in the annals of Nigerian football.”
Kwara United senior team clinched the Federation Cup title on June 28 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, edging Abakaliki FC 4–3 in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation play .
The victory secures the club’s first ever national senior trophy and qualifies them for the 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup .
Just one day later, the Kwara United U-19 squad claimed the inaugural National Youth League Cup title, defeating Atlantic Business FC 3–2 at the same venue .
The U-19 side received ₦16 million in prize money, and standout performers included coach Abdulkadir Jimoh, MVP Muhammed Abdullahi, and goalkeeper Kolawole Sheriffdeen .
Adeboye paid tribute to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Kwara State Sports Commission, club chairman Kumbi Titiloye, and the state Football Association for their collective investment in youth development.
He also highlighted the alignment of this success with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, affirming that sports at all levels remains central to nurturing talent and achieving global competitiveness.
“President Tinubu is committed to the growth and development of sports in Nigeria, particularly at the grassroots level, which remains the bedrock of national talent discovery and global competitiveness,” Adeboye emphasized.
As Kwara United prepares for their continental debut, the SSA’s commendation underscores a broader moment of progress in Nigerian football — proving that vision, unity and unwavering support for youth sport can lead to extraordinary achievements.
