Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has stated that the state has more talents like Taiwo Awoniyi, Nottingham Forest FC of England and Super Eagles striker also adding that his administration is fully committed to unearthing, polishing and marketing such athletes to the world.
The governor made this comment through the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Malam Bola Mogaji in Ilorin, the state capital at a colourful final of ‘Never Stop Dreaming’ youth soccer tournament sponsored by Awoniyi.
The championship was held at the grounds of Sheikh Abdulkadir College, Ilorin where Awoniyi was first discovered.
The governor commended Taiwo Awoniyi’s laudable initiative of engaging youths in a useful venture, noting that his gesture of giving back to his alma mata is unprecedented
AbdulRazaq, who appreciated Taiwo Awoniyi on behalf of the people and the State Government, challenged players and other athletes that have passed through the state to emulate his style of contributing positively to the community that made them.
The competition finals saw a tumultuous crowd at the venue who came to see the Super Eagles star and bear witness to the soccer fiesta of the day.
At the end of the day, International Football Club, Adeta, Ilorin, emerged Champions of the competition, beating Unicorn Football Club by 5 goals to 3 in a penalty shootout after the regulation time ended in a one all draw.
Winner of Competition went home with the cash prize of N1 million while Unicorn FC who came second smile home with the some N750,000.
The football competition was organized solely as means of giving back to his School and encourage young players to develop career in professional football.
In their separate good will messages, the Chairman of YUSFON in the State, Malam Ademola Kiyesola, and Chairman Ilorin West Football Council, Alhaji Owolabi Agbaji Wopa, lauded Awoniyi for being a good role model to the grassroots players, asking him to sustain the spirit.
Commemorative medals were presented to some selected dignitaries who attended the final, including the executive chairman of the commission, Mallam Bola Magaji, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, Mallam Demola Kiyesola and Kwara SWAN Chairman, Malam Ayodeji Ismail.
