By Our Reporter
President of the Kwara All Stars Football Family, Hameed Idrees (SMO), has expressed deep appreciation to Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, for his unwavering support towards sports development in the state. He also congratulated the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolaji Mogaji, for leading Kwara United Football Club—popularly known as the Harmony Boys—to a historic victory in the 2025 Federation Cup.
Kwara United emerged champions after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win during the final of the prestigious tournament held in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.
In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, Idrees described the Federation Cup success as more than just a sporting win. He said the victory represents a combination of strategic investment, dedicated leadership, and unity of purpose, both from Coach Mogaji and the state government under Governor Abdulrahman.
“These victories are not just for the athletes or the state,” Idrees said. “They are proof of visionary leadership and smart investment in sports. We are compelled to appreciate the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), for his strong commitment to sports development.”
He noted that the honour brought to the people of Kwara by Coach Mogaji’s leadership has become a rallying point for unity, youth development, and celebration of excellence across the state.
Reflecting on Mogaji’s tenure as Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Idrees pointed out that Kwara United shattered a decades-long jinx by clinching their first-ever major title an achievement he described as both historic and inspiring.
According to Idrees, the Federation Cup victory has not only earned the club its maiden national silverware, but also secured Kwara United a place in international football. The club is now set to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming season of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions.
He further commended Coach Mogaji’s bold leadership and praised Governor Abdulrahman for facilitating the payment of long-standing sign-on fees owed to Kwara United players—a move that boosted morale and performance.
Idrees also highlighted the recent outstanding performance of the Kwara State contingent at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta as further evidence of the administration’s success in the sports sector.
“This gesture by the Governor will no doubt inspire even more success stories not only for football but for sports development across the board in Kwara State,” he added.
