Kwara United Football Club has etched its name in history after clinching the 2024 President Federation Cup title, marking the club’s first-ever triumph in Nigeria’s oldest football competition since the creation of Kwara State.

In a tension-soaked final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, the Harmony Boys overcame Abakaliki FC 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. The victory sparked wild celebrations among players, supporters, and Kwarans across the globe, as the club delivered a long-awaited national honour to the state.

Coach Tunde Sanni, a former captain of Kwara United, achieved a rare feat by leading the team to glory from the dugout. “This is more than a trophy; it is the fulfilment of a dream I’ve carried since my days on the pitch. I’m proud of the boys for their discipline and heart,” he said moments after the match.

The triumph is being widely seen as a reward for years of investment and commitment to football development in the state. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose administration has supported sports infrastructure and youth development, was lauded by fans and officials alike.

“We dedicate this victory to every Kwaran—at home and abroad—who stood by us. This is a new dawn for football in Kwara State,” said a visibly emotional team manager after the final whistle.

Football enthusiasts, traditional rulers, and political leaders have since joined in the celebrations, describing the victory as a unifying moment for the state.

With the Federation Cup now in Ilorin for the first time ever, Kwara United has not only made history but also rekindled hope for greater achievements in Nigerian football.