In a grand ceremony on Thursday, Kwara United FC of Ilorin unveiled 17 new players to bolster their squad for the upcoming Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The event, held at the multimillion naira Sugar Film Factory in Ilorin, also saw the club reaffirm its commitment to a successful campaign, aiming to solidify its position as a top contender in the league.
The new signings, which include high-profile names such as Ifeanyi Ogba, a former mobile attacker for Rangers International, Ayeleso Suraj, a seasoned goalkeeper from Plateau United, and Akanni Akeem from Sporting Lagos, join 18 returning players, forming what the club’s management believes is a perfect blend of youth and experience. The new recruits, known collectively as the “Harmony Boys,” have been brought in as part of an extensive scouting and recruitment process.
Bashir Badawiy, General Manager of Kwara United, speaking through the club’s chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, highlighted the meticulous nature of the recruitment process, which involved tours across various states.
“We undertook tours in Ikenne in Ogun, Lagos, and Bayelsa states just so we could pick the right blend of players for the season. As you have seen from the players, we have the right mix of ages, parading both young and experienced footballers,” Badawiy said.
During the unveiling, the club’s General Manager emphasized Kwara United’s defensive strength, citing their impressive record in recent tours and invitational tournaments. “We hardly concede goals.
We have beaten top-rated clubs, including Al Merikkh of Sudan, a continental giant,” he noted.
With a few days left in their pre-season training schedule, the Harmony Boys are gearing up for the start of the league. Badawiy assured fans that the team would be ready to “fire on all cylinders” once the season kicks off, promising a thrilling and competitive campaign.
