The Kwara Development Group (KDG), led by its president, Olaide Ahli, has commended Coach Mohammed Oniye for organizing a Kiddies Football Tournament in honor of Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s outstanding achievements.
Coach Oniye, the Proprietor of Makamz Academy and Head Coach of House of Prayers Football Club, initiated the tournament to recognize Coach Zubairu’s impressive accomplishments, which include winning the Aiteo Cup, leading El-Kanemi Warriors to promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), securing victory in the Under-20 WAFU Cup, and earning a spot in the African Nations Cup as Head Coach.
The tournament, held at the Kwara Football Academy from January 2 to January 12, 2025, featured 20 football academies divided into four groups. Barca Kiddies emerged victorious in the grand finale, defeating Dickalo Academy 2-0.
Tournament Groups:
Group A: Apex Star FA, Kingshood FA, Champion FA, Unicorn FA, Pepsi FA
Group B: Barca Kiddies, Gidado FA, Koller FA, Surprise FA, Achievers FA
Group C: Future Stars, Stainless FA, Makamz FA, Gaa-Akanbi FA, Busari FA
Group D: House of Prayers, La-Planet FA, Dickalo FA, Wisdom FA, Gerewu FA
KDG acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organizations who supported the tournament, including Mr. Abdullahi Agali, Personal Assistant to Coach Zubairu; Yemi Sodiq, Secretary of the Kwara Kiddies League; Coach Lookman Ijaiya, Assistant Coach of the Nigerian Flying Eagles; and Architect Oluwabunmi Dickalo, CEO of Dickalo Sports.
Notable dignitaries at the event included Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji (Executive Chairman of the Kwara Sports Commission), Mallam Ibrahim Bako (Director of Sports, Kwara State), Alhaji Owolabi Wopa (Chairman, Ilorin Emirate Football Council), and Samuel Elijah (Technical Director, Kwara Football Academy), among others.
Speaking on the significance of recognizing achievements, KDG President Olaide Ahli urged others to follow Coach Oniye’s example, stating, “Celebrate others so that you will also be celebrated one day.”
KDG concluded by congratulating Coach Aliyu Zubairu on his continued success, expressing confidence in his dedication to achieving even greater milestones. This initiative reflects KDG’s commitment to fostering appreciation and excellence within the Kwara sports community.
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