The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bolakale Mogaji, has announced that Chelsea FC and several other international clubs have expressed interest in signing three players from the Kwara Football Academy.
The players are Abduljelil Kamaldeen (Chelsea), Uthman Tajudeen (Brentford) and Ifeanyi Ikechwukwu (Lueven).
Mogaji announced the achievements in the sports sector during the 3rd Quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing, organised by the Ministry of Communications in Ilorin, the state capital.
He stated that the proceeds from the proposed contracts with these international clubs are expected to boost the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Mogaji explained that arrangements are in top gear with scouts from the clubs having identified their preferred players, who are currently undergoing rigorous evaluation.
The sports administrator also highlighted a historic achievement by Kwara United FC, which recently won the prestigious Presidential Cup after a long period of time. He said the victory has qualified Kwara United to participate in the CAF Confederation Cup, as the team is now out of the competition.
The Executive Chairman disclosed that 16-year-old Squash Player, Shuaib Giwa from Kwara State, is set to represent Nigeria at an international squash tournament in Canada, sponsored by the Kwara State Government.
Mogaji emphasised that the purposeful leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been instrumental in nurturing and developing athletes to national and international standards.
He also noted that, for the first time in the State’s history, 16 Kwarans have been recognised and currently hold various positions within different national sports federations. He stated that sports facilities at the George Innih Stadium Complex have been upgraded, including the construction of the first-of-its-kind eight-wing squash courts.
Mogaji revealed that the newly remodelled Pa Ladipo Indoor Sports Hall would be ready for use soon. He described Governor Abdulrazaq as a passionate lover of sports and praised his huge investment in sports development as a powerful tool for youth development, social cohesion and unity.