Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed elation as Kwara United ended a 50-year trophy drought for the state by clinching the President's Federation Cup in a nail-biting penalty shootout against Abakaliki FC at Lagos' Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday.

The victory marked a historic redemption arc for Ilorin football, exactly 49 years after Alyufsalam FC suffered a painful defeat in the 1976 Challenge Cup final against Rangers International of Enugu. Kwara United, competing in Nigeria's top-tier NPFL , initially seemed destined for heartbreak again after regulation time ended goalless. However, the Afonja Warriors held their nerve, converting four of five penalties to secure a 4-3 shootout win their first major silverware in half a century.

Governor AbdulRazaq, a former footballer himself, hailed the triumph as a moment of pride: "This victory is not just a trophyit's a revival of Kwara's football legacy. We've waited decades for this, and today, we reclaim our place in Nigerian football history."

Coach Tunde Sanni and his squad have ensured Kwara joins the list of states with Federation Cup honours, a feat celebrated across the state. The win also secures Kwara United's spot in the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup , marking a new chapter for the club and regional football development.

Speaking shortly after the victory for his team last Saturday, Gov AbdulRazaq who also doubles as Chairman of the Nigeria Governor's Forum(NGF), saluted the courageous players and coaching crew for making it happen.

"I'm overwhelmed with joy as I joined Harmony Boys of Kwara United this evening (Saturday) to bring home the 2025 President Federation Cup, the first time any team from our state has ever won the prestigious trophy since 1967 when Kwara was created".

Continued Gov AbdulRazaq: "I wholeheartedly salute the players, the coaching crew, the management of Kwara United, the Sports Commission, and our supporters' club for this remarkable feat.

"I am particularly grateful to the people of our state, including Kwarans in Diaspora, for their overwhelming support for the team.

"This win again testifies to the power of team spirit, discipline, determination, and grit".

AbdulRazaq added, "Our victory over the Abakaliki FC comes on the heels of yet another win as our contingent to the Senior President Debate Competition has emerged the national champion for the first time ever.

"This victory is not a coincidence. For three unbroken editions, our pupils under the State Universal Basic Education have remained the national champions in the President School Debate Competition. I commend the Kwara contingents that have made us proud.

"All of these go to show that our feats in different aspects are not a flash in the pan, but are deserving fruits of hard work and strategic investments in youth development, sports, education, and other key sectors of the economy.

"I congratulate all Kwarans home and abroad on these achievements. We look forward to keeping our state in positive spotlights in Nigeria and across the world," concludes the elated governor.

Also, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the management and players of Kwara United Football Club for the victory at the 2025 President Federation Cup Finals

"You have indeed made me proud as a father and you have further stamped your names on gold. I shall continue to support you with prayers in your future engagements," observed the Ilorin Emir.

Similarly, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, congratulated Kwara United on their historic President Federation Cup triumph.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Ayodeji Ismail, and Assistant Secretary, Sodiq Adebara, the association described the victory as a "watershed moment in Kwara's football history," lauding the team's resilience, determination, and tactical discipline in ending a 49-year wait for a major national trophy.

Earlier on Saturday, Rivers Angels were crowned champions in the women's category after defeating Nasarawa Amazons on penalties. It marked a record-extending 10th Federation Cup title for the Pride of Rivers.