The 2026 Nationwide League One season in Kwara ended in grand style as the existing champions delivered a thrilling final from the Ilorin Centre, raising the bar for grassroots football in the state.
NLO Ilorin Centre Coordinator, Mr. Akorede Kehinde Monsor, praised the quality of play from both finalists and commended the Kwara State Referees Council for their upright and fair officiating throughout the league and in today’s final.
“Today’s final has truly justified their efforts towards changing the narrative of grassroots football development in the state,” Akorede said.
The coordinator said he was excited that the season concluded without any major incidents, even up to the final that decided Kwara’s representative for the NLO Playoffs.
“As Ilorin Centre coordinator, I am the most excited person. I congratulate the winner. It was an amazing moment from both teams. But the truth is, a team must emerge as champion to represent the state. I salute both teams for creating history with their brilliant performance,” he stated.
Akorede charged the champions to shift focus from celebration to preparation. “Leave the celebration behind and start preparing for the playoff now, to crown your efforts and the brilliant performance you showcased during the league and in the final.”
He also gave special kudos to match officials for their consistency all season. “They helped us get to this stage. I specifically thank and salute their efforts towards the beautiful game.”
The NLO boss concluded by appreciating all stakeholders who made the 2026 season memorable: the Kwara FA led by FA Chairman Mallam Musa Idris Abdullahi Thuraya, the media — especially Adexsports, who did a wonderful job despite not being the league’s media officer and deserves special recognition — participating teams, management, and football lovers for their cooperation and support.
_Signed:_
_Mr. Akorede Kehinde Monsor_
_NLO Coordinator, Ilorin Centre, Kwara State_
Comments