Kwara United FC were held to a goalless draw by newly promoted Ikorodu City in the opening fixture of the 2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium, Ilorin, on Sunday.

Despite the presence of Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq among the home supporters, the Harmony Boys could not break down their resilient visitors from Lagos, who impressed with tactical discipline and smart organisation.

Ikorodu City’s goalkeeper, Michael Atata, was the standout performer, pulling off a series of saves to deny Kwara United midfielder Shola Abdulraheem and striker Issa Gata. His heroics earned praise even from opposing fans who applauded his composure under pressure.

Both coaches hailed the quality of the contest, describing it as evidence of progress in the NPFL.

“Kwara United is not a small team, and just like us, they parade a youthful and mobile squad,” Ikorodu City’s Technical Adviser, Bright Ozebagbe, told reporters. He described his side as “a project still in the making,” but one determined to bring fresh ideas to the league.

Ikorodu also caught attention with their use of modern pitch-side communication gadgets, allowing coaches to synchronise analytics in real time with head coach Ali Kandil.

Kwara United started sluggishly but grew into the game, controlling midfield through Ini Emmanuel and Victory Adeoye. Assistant captain Kabiru Mohammed and Ibrahim Yahaya were solid in defence, while substitutes Alao Mohammed and Babatunde Bright added attacking spark after the break. Gata’s late header, however, was parried away brilliantly by Atata.

The hosts also suffered setbacks as Akanni Akeem and Saheed Olaniyi were stretchered off with injuries.

Kwara United coach, Tunde Sanni, rued missed opportunities. “Ikorodu were lucky not to concede at least three goals because their goalkeeper saved them today,” he said.

Assistant captain Kabiru Mohammed was equally disappointed. “Sharing the points was not our plan. We must improve and take our chances in the next game,” he vowed.

Kwara United next face Rivers United away at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, on Saturday.

In a bold step that underscores the growing fusion of media and the digital economy, the Kwara State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to launch its first-ever online radio station in collaboration with 132 Media, a technology-driven broadcasting company led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tijani Ajara.

The initiative, steered by veteran sports administrator and former SWAN National Executive member, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, reflects the broader transition of journalism into the digital space, where content delivery is no longer tied to traditional airwaves.

By leveraging the reach of the internet, the new platform aims to place Kwara on the digital broadcasting map, while also creating a marketplace of opportunities for sports journalists, advertisers, and fans.

Ajara, whose firm is providing the technical backbone for the project, described the partnership as a landmark moment in the evolution of media in Kwara State.

“Sports play a vital role in uniting people, and with this online radio, we are creating a modern channel for young journalists to express themselves while also giving sports fans quality content,” he said, noting that digital platforms are fast becoming the new economy for media creators and consumers alike.

Chief Chukwuemeka explained that the project is not just about sports coverage but about empowering practitioners to remain relevant in today’s rapidly changing media ecosystem.

“This dream has been nurtured for years. With Kwara SWAN Online Radio, we will not only give athletes the exposure they deserve but also strengthen grassroots sports development.

More importantly, our members will embrace digital broadcasting and acquire new skills that are indispensable in the global media economy,” he said.

The planned station will feature live commentaries, exclusive interviews, sports documentaries, and interactive talk shows—formats designed to thrive in digital spaces where audience engagement and on-demand access are key drivers.

For advertisers and content creators, the station offers a new digital marketplace to reach sports-loving audiences both in Nigeria and abroad.

Kwara SWAN Chairman, Mr. Ismail Ayodeji, hailed the project as a visionary response to the disruption sweeping the media industry.

“This is another bold step to keep our members innovative and competitive.

The Kwara SWAN Online Radio will not only promote sports but also serve as a model for other chapters nationwide,” he said.

With preparations at an advanced stage, the initiative highlights how sports journalism in Kwara is repositioning itself within Nigeria’s growing digital economy, where online media platforms are increasingly shaping both consumption patterns and economic value creation.

Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reconstituted the board of the Kwara State Sports Commission with the return of squash legend, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, as Executive Chairman.

Alhaji Dele Abubakar, MON, and Hon. Abdullahi Yunusa Lade were retained as representatives of Kwara Central and North, while Mrs. Monisola Yemisi Makanjuola was newly appointed for Kwara South.

Government sources said the reshuffle is aimed at consolidating sports development gains and strengthening the commission’s structure.

Analysts say the move restores stability after a brief leadership vacuum unsettled the state’s sporting community, particularly as Kwara United prepares for both the CAF Confederation Cup and the new NPFL season.

Mogaji, expressing gratitude for his reappointment, pledged to intensify efforts to grow the state’s sporting sector. “The reward for hard work is more work. I have challenged myself to meet the expectations,” he said, while urging stakeholders to unite for the common goal of building Kwara’s sports industry.

His earlier tenure had improved youth development structures and raised Kwara’s visibility at national tournaments, but experts warn these gains need consistent leadership to avoid stagnation.

In this short interview, Dr. Ndanusa, a director at Aidu Football Academy (AFA), Lafiagi, speaks with our correspondent on the struggles of running a private football academy in a region ravaged by banditry, and the broader challenges of managing football without government support. AFA players wore black armbands during their friendly against NPFL side, Kwara United, in Ilorin, as a show of solidarity for communities in Kwara North under siege.

AFA only launched formally in February. How has the journey been so far?

What we did in February was an unveiling. The academy had actually started long before that. After the launch, we set up a boot camp where we picked some of the best talents to expose them to the wider world of football. Over the last six months, our boys have had several encounters — some are currently in Ethiopia trying out with clubs, while others are preparing to move to Doha, Qatar. Those at home continue to engage local teams, and coming to Ilorin feels like homecoming since Lafiagi is part of Kwara. But beyond football, our presence here is symbolic — our home base in Kwara North is bleeding due to insecurity. That’s why our boys wore black armbands: a cry for solidarity. Government is doing its best, but security is everyone’s problem.

What does it mean to run a football academy from an insecure region like Lafiagi?

Dr. Ndanusa: It is both emotional and challenging. Every day, we battle the reality that while we try to raise young men through football, our community is under siege by armed bandits. Players come to training after hearing gunshots the previous night. Families are displaced, and yet we must carry on. It shows that football is more than sport — it is a beacon of hope. Our boys are saying through football that Lafiagi deserves peace.

How tough is it for the private sector to invest in football in Nigeria?

Dr. Ndanusa: Very tough. It requires money, time, and enormous resources — things one man alone cannot shoulder. Unfortunately, unlike government-backed clubs such as Kwara United, private academies struggle without institutional support. People understand football’s value but they have not directly benefited from it, so they shy away from investing. Until more investors come in, academies like ours will remain at the mercy of passion and sacrifice.

What lessons do you think government and stakeholders can take from AFA’s effort?

That football can be a force for good. Beyond winning trophies, it can rebuild broken communities, unite people, and take young people off the streets. Our academy is proof — even in a conflict zone, young men can choose football over crime if given the chance. What we need is more investment, collaboration, and deliberate policies that support private football academies. With security guaranteed and stakeholders involved, Nigeria can produce not just players but true ambassadors of peace and development.

Ilorin is buzzing with youthful energy as over 1,200 athletes and officials from the North Central region gather for the zonal elimination of team sports ahead of the 9th National Youth Sports Festival (NYSF) slated for Delta State later this year.

The event was originally scheduled for Nasarawa State, but Kwara stepped in at the last minute to host after Nasarawa failed to meet requirements.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq approved full sponsorship of the eliminations, earning praise from organisers.

“We are immensely grateful to Governor Abdulrazaq for saving the day. Our impression so far has been very positive,” said Saka Akeem, Zonal Coordinator.

Nine sports – Abula, Cricket, Handball, Beach Volleyball, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Rugby, and Hockey – will be contested, with only two finalists per sport advancing to the festival in Delta.

Participation from Benue State remains uncertain, but Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, Niger, Kogi, and hosts Kwara are confirmed.

Screening of athletes, pegged at 15 years and below, began Saturday with matches set to run through Monday.

Kwara’s Director of Sports, Coach Ibrahim Bako, assured smooth organisation despite the late notice.

> “Kwara is always prepared, and that’s why the state leads in North Central and ranks among the top five nationwide at the NYSF,” he said.

Sports experts say the eliminations are more than just a qualifying series.

They serve as a platform for talent discovery, youth development, and regional pride, especially for North Central states where opportunities for structured sports are limited.

The festival has a strong track record of producing stars who later represent Nigeria on the international stage.

For Ilorin, the event also means an economic boost, with hotels, restaurants, and transport operators already recording increased patronage.

By giving teenagers across the zone exposure to national-level contests, the eliminations are expected to inspire a new generation of athletes while strengthening grassroots sports development in the region.