The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatai Ahmed, has lauded leading telecoms operator, Airtel over the organisation of the Airtel Rising Stars U-17 Tournament for boys and girls.

Governor Ahmed gave the commendation in a text message sent to the Ilorin representatives shortly after the male team defeated their counterparts from Abuja to lift the ARS National Championship trophy in the final match decided inside the football field of the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Akoka, Lagos on Saturday (August 2nd, 2014).

An excerpt from the Governor's message reads: "To Airtel Nigeria, the organisers of the competition, I say a big thank you and implore you not to rest on your oars as you continue to promote this very laudable initiative to develop our talented youths."

Governor Ahmed also revealed that a reception would be held in honour of the champions whose feat at the Airtel Rising Stars National Championship "represents the zeal and determination of all Kwarans towards putting Kwara in its pride of place amongst other states in Nigeria."

"To the young lads, I congratulate you and look forward to hosting you to a reception upon your return. God bless Kwara State. God bless Nigeria," the Governor's message read.

The Ilorin zone male team defeated Abuja 1-0 in a keenly contested final match at the weekend. Before the match, both teams had played out a goalless draw when they met in the opening match for the male category at the round robin stage of the competition.

The team also drew 2-2 in its second match against team Lagos before handing down a 3-1 defeat to defending champion, Port Harcourt with goals coming from Taiye Ayinde, Mohammed Baba and Ayosunkanmi Osho. It won its last round robin match against Enugu by a lone strike from Mohammed Baba. It scored a total of seven goals and conceded three in five matches.

Ex-Nigerian International, Mutiu Adepoju served as the Technical Adviser to the Ilorin zonal team.

As the champion of the ARS National Finals, Ilorin zone will fly Nigeria's flag alongside four-time female champion, Port Harcourt at the ARS Africa Championship billed to take off last week in August in Libreville, Gabon.

The ARS U-17 tournament, a pan-African initiative of Airtel Africa, is designed to provide support for the development of football talents across Nigeria. It aims at discovering talented male and female footballers under the age of 17 and providing them with platform to gain football skills and develop into professional footballers.

The tournament enjoys the support of football bodies such as Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Arsenal Football Club and Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF).