Taiwo Awoniyi, Governor AbdulRazaq Laud Youth Development as KFA Win KKL Season IV Title
The Grand Finale of the Kwara Kiddies League (KKL) Season IV was held in an atmosphere of excitement and celebration at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium, Ilorin, marking another milestone in grassroots sports development in Kwara State.
Speaking at the event, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) described the Kiddies League as a strategic platform for youth engagement, empowerment, and holistic development. The Governor was represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji.
The highlight of the season was the emergence of Kwara Football Academy (KFA) as champions after a commanding campaign. The academy amassed a record 66 points, recording 21 victories from 26 matches, a performance that underscored their dominance, discipline, and technical quality throughout the competition.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended the organisers and sponsors of the league, paying special tribute to the Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation for its sustained investment in grassroots football. He noted that the Foundation’s support has been instrumental in nurturing young talents and creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring footballers in the state.
The Governor further applauded the Foundation for promoting excellence through competitive rewards, including the prestigious Player of the Season award, which went to Eko Martins of Kwara Football Academy, alongside other outstanding performers who distinguished themselves during the season.
Reflecting on the broader impact of Taiwo Awoniyi’s interventions, the Governor recalled the Foundation’s support for squash development in Kwara State last year, describing it as impactful and commendable.
“Awoniyi’s contribution to sports development in Kwara State goes beyond football. His support for other sports, including squash, has yielded remarkable results,” the Governor said.
Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, in his remarks, encouraged participating young footballers to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to excellence in future editions of the league. He praised Taiwo Awoniyi for believing in local talents and providing sustainable platforms for them to grow into successful professionals.
KKL Season IV Award Winners
Fair Play Award: Unicorn Football Academy
Coach of the Season: Coach Ajayi Oluwaseyi (KFA)
Revelation of the Season: Arisekola Faruq (Busari FA)
Referee of the Season: Emmanuel Ajewole
Highest Goal Scorer: Ajibola Gidado (Unicorn FA) – 14 goals
Best Midfielder: Afeez Azeez (Afrikan Kiddies FA)
Best Defender: Eko Martins (KFA)
Player of the Season: Eko Martins (KFA)
KKL Season IV Team of the Season
Goalkeeper:
Abubakar Solihu (Gaa Akanbi Kids)
Defenders:
Eko Martins (KFA)
Abdullahi Kamaldeen (Future Stars)
Yunus Abdulmajeed (Achievers FA)
Soliu Kamaldeen (Barca Kiddies)
Midfielders:
Afeez Azeez (Afrikan Kiddies)
Isiaq Mustapha (KFA)
Jimoh Mubarak (Makamz FA)
Forwards:
Adeoye Tobi (KFA)
Ajibola Gidado (Unicorn FA)
Abdulhamid Yunus (Koller FA)
Reserves:
Muritala Azeez (Barca Kiddies)
Abdulwahab Abdulsamad (Koller FA)
January Goodluck (Makamz FA)
Oluwaseyi Adeyemi (Unicorn FA)
The successful conclusion of KKL Season IV further cements Kwara State’s growing reputation as a hub for grassroots football development, driven by the youth-friendly policies of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the effective leadership of the Kwara State Sports Commission, and strong partnerships with committed private sector stakeholders.
