Kwara State’s football team has secured a spot in the final of the National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, with a 1-0 victory over Kaduna State, and has promised to clinch the gold medal in honour of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the people of the state.
Speaking after the match, Team Captain Dennis Sunday expressed confidence that the team would lift the trophy, citing the unwavering support of the government and the people as a major source of motivation.
“We are confident we will bring home the gold. This is our way of showing appreciation for the investment the state government has made in us,” Sunday said.
Star striker Mohammed Abdullahi, fondly known as Suarez, who has netted five goals in four matches, echoed the captain’s confidence, saying the team is more than ready for the final showdown.
“We are grateful for the support, and we won’t disappoint. Reaching the final is a dream come true, and we’re going for the win,” he said.
Chief Coach Ajewale Ezekiel credited the team’s success to the backing from Governor AbdulRazaq, the Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, and the Director of Sports, Alhaji Ibrahim Bako.
“I thank His Excellency and our sports administrators for believing in us. We are fired up to bring the trophy home,” he said.
Secretary of the Kwara State Football Association, Mr. Kashim Agaka, acknowledged that many doubted the team’s chances at the beginning of the tournament, but leadership and determination turned things around.
“Many thought we wouldn’t reach this stage, but the courage of our sports leaders and the tenacity of the players made this possible,” Agaka said.
In a motivational gesture during halftime, Director of Sports Alhaji Ibrahim Bako gave the players N50,000 to spur them on, a move that many believe played a key role in their victory.
Kwara will face host state Ogun, who beat Nigeria’s U-17 team 2-1 in the other semifinal. The final is scheduled for Tuesday, 27th May, at 6:00 PM at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
