Kwara FA moves to have Ilorin host AFCON 2025 Matches

Kwara FA moves to have Ilorin host AFCON 2025 Matches


Chairman of Kwara State Football Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris revealed that the state has the potential of hosting African Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches.

Nigeria and Benin Republic are jointly bidding to host the AFCON in 2025 following Guinea’s withdrawal from hosting the event due to cash related issues.

Idris made this disclosure as part of a regular media update on football affairs on the activities of the FA in relation to soccer administration in Kwara State on Friday.

Idris popularly known as Thuraya revealed that a strong representation has been made to the State Government government through the Kwara State Sports Commission for logistical assistance when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) committee charged with identifying suitable stadia for the biennial soccer fiesta comes into town.

The West African countries bid’s main rival is Morocco, which has in recent years gained CAF’s confidence with its state of the art facilities and sports development plan.

But Thuraya is optimistic that Nigeria may win the bid given Nigeria's strategic importance in the continent.

"Moreover, FIFA and CAF have always been about football development and I am sure that if Kwara is put into consideration with our bubbling football culture, clean hospitality and serenity, Nigeria stands a big chance," the FA boss said.

The FA chairman also reiterated that Kwara holds a pride of place in soccer history in Africa. Former CAF African footballer of the year, Rashidi Yekini, hails from the state; Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striking ace, Taiwo Awoniyi is also from the state.

Even more, former Eagles players who have graced the Continental soccer tourney like Seyi Olofinjana, Obinna Nsofor and many others cut their professional soccer teeth in Kwara, specifically on the stadium's turf.

Further explaining on pluses that could win the state the privilege of hosting AFCON matches, Thuraya stated that Kwara, of recent, under Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak, has demonstrated how easily Public Private Partnership, PPP, can work in managing sports facilities in the state.

Kwara Stadium recently underwent transformation especially in the pitch department after AU Mustapha, SAN, former CAF Appeals Committee boss, led a consortium including the state FA to undertake pitch refurbishment, making the stadium currently one of the best in the area of grass football pitches in the country.

The State Government complemented the work by fixing the stadium utilities like dressing rooms, media studios, toilets and bathrooms.

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