The Kwara State Football Association on Saturday entered a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the Nigeria Pillar of Sports in the quest to create a new identity to promote grassroot football.

Malam Idris Abdullahi in his words, described Nigeria Pillar of Sports as a vital element in the Structure of the FA and assured of working with Chief Ejidike in matching the objectives of the FA, adding that his Administration is fully committed to maintain its relationship to scientifically harness talents and improve the round leather game.

Thuraya opined the FA has explored in seeking sponsors to improve the standard of facilities including remodelling the artificial turf of the state stadium to natural grass and also to establish football pitches across all senatorial districts within.

He equally commended his board members for aligning with his objectives saying it will bring a significant change as stakeholders unite all grassroots initiatives and programmes under one banner.

Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, vowed to work assiduously with the Kwara FA to help improve the fortunes of the game in the state.

Chief Ejidike, in his first familiarization visit to the secretariat of the FA, was meant to acquaint himself with the operations of the state football governing body and partner with the visionary institution while pledging his office support for the FA with a call for a stronger collaboration in a bid to develop all sectors of the game.

During the meeting, a Customized backdrop which had Malam Idris Picture with an inscripted message ” Outstanding Performance and revitalization of Football in Kwara” was presented by Chief Donatus to the FA Boss.

The delegation had in company of Alloy Chukwuemeka, Ajide Olayioye and others were met on arrival by the FA members including, Kashmi Agaka, Hajia Segilola Alaya, Captain Dayo Ayodele, Ahmed Abdullahi and other affiliated members of the FA.

The 2021 AMAPRO Football Championship final will be decided on Sunday between surprise package AbraySports and NNL All Stars.

The Ladi Ojokojo led NNL All Star team edged Da Faria 4-3 on penalties after regulation was 1-1, while Abraysports humbled William Falla 3-1.

Samson Isiaka put the Lagos based team ahead with a cool finish in the 3rd minute of the game.

All Stars came from behind to cancel Da Faria lead as Sodiq Alamoyo slotted into the bottom corner on 25 minutes.

The second half was even for both teams as they displayed best of football artistry to the amusement of the Ilorin fans.

NNL All Stars shot stopper, Muyiwa Majolagbe turned hero of the afternoon as he stopped two spot kicks from Da Faria as his team scored four of their spot kicks.

Coach of NNL All Stars Ladi Ojokojo was full of praise to his boys who whethered the storm against the dangerous Da Faria side.

“We knew how talented the opposition were. Our plan was to score first and try to consolidate. But it was the other way round,” he explained.

“The fighting spirit showed by my boys really made me proud. We can’t afford to celebrate for now because a bigger task awaits us.

In the other semi-final game, William Falla got the first goal with a fine finish from Ramon Azeez.

A rejuvenated NNL All Stars showed class as they scored an equalizer in the 20th minute as Victor Atteh curled home a sweet free kick.

Obadun Abdulrasheed powered home a delicious header at the near post as Abraysports went in front.

Obalowu Nofiu made the game safe for the Ilorin based side with the third goal at the dying embers.

Head coach of Abraysports Bolade Ezekiel admitted that his wards relied on counter attacks to defeat William Falla and promised to upset NNL All Stars in the final.

“It was more of a tactical game but we dealt with the pressure from William Falla. We relied on counter attacks to punish them,” Kolade enthused.

“The game against NNL All Stars will be technical because they are more matured. With our tactical gift we will be victorious.

The final will be held on Sunday at the main bowl of the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin. Kickoff is 4pm.

Fresh, Ahlan, Gusau, Alkali storm Ilorin for Amapro Football Championship final

NFF top shots grace Amapro Football Championship final

Ahlan, Fresh, Gusau, Alkali set to add colour to Amapro Football Championship grand finale

The prestigious Amapro Football Championship final is set as expected as arrangements have been concluded ahead of what would be a glamorous event.

Amapro Football Championship final will be decided on Sunday 29th August at the Kwara Stadium Complex, with NNL All Stars facing Abraysports. Kickoff is at 4pm Nigerian time.

Distinguished football administrators, coaches, club owners and top media personnel will grace the finals among who are NFF Technical Committee Chairman Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, NFF Chairman of Chairmen Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF Referee Committee Chairman Inuwa Shariff Ahlan and NLO Chairman Mohammed Alkali.

Others are Kwara State Sports Commission Chairman Bola Mogaji, Former Kwara United Chairman Thompson Oladimeji aka Henry George and Director of Football ABS FC High Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka.

Organizers of #Amapro21 have offered assurances of a memorable experience to the finalists, fans and top football administrators that will be in the Kwara capital for the finals of the sixth edition of the competition.

Partners of the 2021 Amapro Football Championship are Kwara State Government, Kwara State Sports Commission, Kwara State Football Association, Phreestyle Sports, Sports Pro, Kwara State Referee Counsil, Sports Lens, Onward News 24, Sports Retina, FutbalgaloreMedia, Waniko Table Water, Diamond Sports Management, TSTV, Scout4Star, Cyteck Engineering, Afribased Projects Limited, Konami Prints, Harlex Graphix Design, Twinstech Universal Builder and H4 Foundation.

La Planet Sport Academia has emerged the champions of the Kwara State Football Association Super league after defeating
Stallion FC 2-0 on Thursday.

Goals from Obagbemiro Emmanuel and Oladele Abiodun in each half of the game was enough for La Planet to crown their impressive performance in the competition.

The final match which held at the Kwara State Stadium Complex was yet another manifestation of talents that abound in Kwara State coupled with the drive of the State football association to develop football at the grassroots level.

Among the dignitaries at the event were Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya ,the Chairman of Kwara State Football Association, Hon. Gbenga Yusuf; member Kwara State House of Assembly,  ABS Ilorin FC Director of Football; Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, General Manager of Kwara United FC, Mallam Bashir Badawiy and a host of others.

Over 50 teams registered for the championship and La Planet with their victory has now qualified to take part in the NLO play off in a yet to be announced date.

The Kwara state football association has expressed it’s rudest shock, terming the incident as highly unfortunate and very despondent.

Malam Idris Musa Abdullahi, Chairman Kwara state football association, in an emotional statement made available through his Special Adviser on Media, Bolaji Lawal, described the story as a devastating & demoralizing.

In his words: ” on hearing the news, I can’t put myself together, am pained, unable to comprehend this tragic loss and shattered.

“Mr Ibah was a candid Adviser, leader. A gentle man who is always there when I need him. I’ve lost a good guidance and my morale has indeed been punctured.

“He will remain in our hearts for his inestimable contribution to the development of Nigeria football in general.

“My sincere thoughts of support and solidarity are with the family, people of Akwa Ibom and NFF for the loss of this great figure, for several years, Hon Emmanuel served football with immense passion, and his name will remain closely linked to numerous successes of football in Akwa Ibom.

Malam Musa also noted Nigeria Football has lost notable stakeholders in recent times and pray to Almighty God in his infinite mercies to grant the deceased external rest and preserve those remaining.

Hon Ibah is serving his second tenure as FA Boss and also an executive member of the NFF. He was appointed Chairman, Protocol and Ceremonial Committee and Vice Chairman, Referees Committee as well as Vice Chairman, Establishment Committee.

In a statement signed by the association and made available through the Special Adviser on Media to FA Boss, Bolaji Lawal, the FA lauded the 11th Emir of Ilorin for his unwavering support to Sports development especially Football.

Malam Musa described the one time vice-president of Nigeria Football Association as a detribalised Nigerian who is a great asset to the people of Kwara, the North and Nigeria as a whole.

He congratulated His Eminence on this august occasion, felicitating with the government and good people of Kwara State and the entire Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and beyond.

Thuraya affirmed His Royal Highness gave Nigerian Muslims purposeful, mature, dynamic and responsible leadership, saying he shunned armchair leadership and became visible in all parts of the country.

“We the FA are marvel at his managerial skill with which he has mobilised Muslims from all sectors.

“Leading by example, he taught us love, forgiveness, and tolerance. A patriot primus inter pares, he laid special emphasis on the need for peaceful coexistence in the past twenty five years of selfless service to his country,” the message read.

Chairman of the board, Malam Idris Musa while speaking on Tuesday, showered encomium praises on Malam Tunde, saying his selfless services and determination has helped the state sport sector in driving far-reaching reforms, adding that his legacies is a guiding light for all sport administrators in the country.

He saluted Coach Tunde for recording several successes during his tenure, stressing that will continue to be the legacy people will uphold in remembrance of his service to Kwarans and the nation.

” Since my board was inaugurated, he has always been supportive and played a crucial role in the successful hosting and completion of the Governor’s Cup'”.

“You have indeed bettered the standard of Sports in all ramifications and brought many reforms and laudable initiatives to strengthen Sport development in Kwara”. He noted.

The FA Boss however advised Coach Tunde Kazeem to keep his doors open to those looking forward to tap from his experience and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant him his heart desires and wish him long live in good health and wealth.

Prior to his retirement, Coach Tunde Kazeem, who was also the Chairman, Director of Sports Forum (DSF) in Nigeria, is the longest serving director in the Kwara state Sports council will be leaving service after reaching the mandatory retirement period.