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The Kwara State Government under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development through sports by sponsoring the participation of Kwara Football Academy (KFA) in the prestigious 2026 NextGen Africa Cup in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The Academy contingent departed Ilorin amid high spirits and optimism, marking another milestone in the state’s strategic investment in grassroots football and talent development.
Speaking at the official send-off, on behalf of the governor, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Mogaji, delivered a rousing farewell message to the team, which is led by the Academy’s Administrator, Mr. Tajudeen Wale Obalola. He charged the young players to represent the state and the nation with pride, discipline, and excellence.
“You are not just representing Kwara Football Academy, but the entire Kwara State and Nigeria at large. Go out there, compete with confidence, and make us proud,” he said.
Mogaji also reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing young talents, emphasizing that sports remain a key tool for youth empowerment and social development.
“This administration under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will continue to invest in youth through sports. Our goal is to make Kwara Football Academy not just competitive in Nigeria, but a force across Africa and beyond,” he added.
KFA has been drawn in Group A of the tournament alongside Africa Foot of Mali, Olympic Sport of Côte d’Ivoire, and Terenga Sporting Club of Senegal. The team will kick off its campaign against Africa Foot in the tournament’s opening match at the Stade Robert Champroux on Monday.
The NextGen Africa Cup, which will take place in Abidjan, brings together eight of the continent’s top football academies, offering a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities on an international stage.
In appreciation, the team captain, Sakariyau Fawaz, thanked the Governor through the executive chairman for providing KFA with full support and for prioritizing sports development in the state.
He however, promised on behalf of all the players that they will not disappoint the state and will ensure to do their best from the beginning to the end of the tournament.
Backed by the support of the state government, the Kwara Football Academy contingent heads into the tournament with renewed confidence, carrying the hopes of a state determined to build a strong sporting future.
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