Players and officials of 2025 President Federation Cup (formerly Challenge Cup) champions, Kwara United, will be given a grand reception by the state government and the people of the state when they arrive in Ilorin today, officials of the team have said.

Kwara United defeated Abakalilki FC via a 4-3 penalty shootout at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, to win their first President Federation Cup title in the state’s 40-year history.

The club’s youth team put the icing on the cake at the same venue yesterday, when they won the National U-19 League title. A member of the team’s management committee told The Guardian yesterday that they have been informed to get ready for a grand reception by the people of Kwara State today.

The official, who pleaded anonymity, said: “Our governor and other top officials, who were at the stadium to witness history, promised to reward us handsomely if we won the competition. That was before the game against Abakaliki FC. Now, we hear that Ilorin has been decorated awaiting our return.

“It will be a double celebration as our boys have also won the National U-19 League.”  The President Federation Cup final between Kwara United and Abakaliki FC ended goalless after regulation time, prompting a shootout to determine the 2024 champion. Kwara United triumphed 4-3 in the tense penalty decider.

With the victory, Kwara United also secured a continental ticket and will join Abia Warriors in representing Nigeria in the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup.