Abraysports Football Club have emerged leaders of the Ilorin Center in the Nationwide League One, finishing the group phase with 13 points from six matches. The Ilorin-based side recorded four wins, one loss, and a 2-2 draw in their final group game against Kwara Football Academy on Tuesday at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl, Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.
The keenly contested fixture saw Abraysports reduced to 10 men early in the game after their goalkeeper was shown a red card for a reckless tackle by the center referee. Despite the setback, the team displayed resilience to secure a crucial point that confirmed their place at the top of the table.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Abraysports Chairman, Mallam Abdullhi Adekunle Yussuf, expressed delight at the result and commended his players’ character.
“Even though the match ended 2-2, I’m satisfied with the result. I must praise my boys who showed courage and determination despite the early red card. Going one man down affected our game plan, but they were fantastic. Their effort gave us the point we needed to top our group comfortably with 13 points,” Yussuf said.
He noted that topping the group was only “the first phase of the assignment,” with the Group Championship final against LA-Planet FC now the immediate focus. LA-Planet FC also topped their group, and the match will decide which team represents Kwara State at the playoffs.
“Our next challenge is the group championship against LA-Planet FC. I believe my boys will maintain this tempo and be more aggressive. Our target is to represent Kwara State and change the narrative by securing an NNL slot at the playoffs, by God’s grace,” he added.
Yussuf, who also serves as the NLO Chairman in Kwara State, commended the smooth running of the Ilorin Center.
“I’m overwhelmed by the outcome at the Ilorin Center. Everything went as planned from day one till date, with no negative reports or abandoned matches, unlike what was experienced in other centers. This has changed the narrative of grassroots football competition in Kwara State,” he stated.
He thanked Kwara FA Chairman, Mallam Musa Idris Abdullahi Turaya, for his support toward the league’s progress in the state, and urged match officials to remain focused for the final.
He also extended an open invitation to football stakeholders ahead of the decisive clash scheduled for Friday, June 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl, Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.
“It will surely be an interesting match to determine who represents the state at the playoffs,” Yussuf concluded, while also thanking the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji, for his support towards sports development in the state.
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