The Kwara State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, on Friday 17th -7-2026 hosted a "Hard Talk" session with Federation Cup-winning coach, Kabiru Dogo, at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Centre inside the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
Dogo, who led El-Kanemi Warriors to 2026 President Federation Cup glory in Asaba, used the platform to laud the Borno State Government for its unwavering support that culminated in the club’s winning 2026 Federation Cup
The former El-Kanemi Warriors technical adviser described the just-concluded league season as "very difficult," noting that despite a bright start to the league campaign, the team lost concentration and suffered relegation to the Nigeria National League, NNL.
"But as God would have it, He compensated our efforts with the Federation Cup title, the most difficult knockout championship in Nigerian football," Dogo said.
He added that the triumph did not come easy, but was achieved through "double dedication, hard work and determination." According to him, after relegation from the NPFL, winning the Federation Cup became the only way to "write a statement" for the season.
Dogo expressed deep appreciation to key figures in Borno State for standing by the team.
"I sincerely thank the Borno State Government for giving us the necessary support to win the final. My appreciation also goes to the hardworking Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Comrade Saina Buba, who has been the pillar of sports and father of youth in the state. He stood by us right from day one, even during our disappointing moments in the league," he said.
He also acknowledged the club Chairman, Alhaji Waziri Isa Maiqatar, the Borno State FA Chairman, Babagana Kalli, the Shehu of Borno, the supporters club, and the fans for their roles in the success.
Addressing his new role as Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes, Dogo said the move was a mutual agreement with El-Kanemi Warriors’ management and was captured in his contract, which allows him to join another team.
"Even though it was not an easy decision to leave a team that will play on the continent, I had no choice but to move forward. I wish El-Kanemi Warriors good luck and pray that any incoming coach succeeds," he stated.
He noted that it was the right time to "move closer home"as a Chief title the magaji of Odo-okun, Ilorin, this years also marks my 20 years as a Chife title holder, therefore I need to move more closer to my people and also focus on the new challenge with the Ikon Allah Boys. "By God’s grace, we will put our wealth of experience together, recruit quality players and work with the new management to change the narrative of the club."
Dogo also weighed in on the proposed N2 million minimum wage for players, describing it as "possible and achievable" if stakeholders are sincere. He cited clubs like Remo Stars, Rangers International and Kano Pillars, who already have players earning above N1 million.
On the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Africa’s slots increased to 10, the coach urged African countries to emulate Morocco’s long-term planning and avoid a "fire brigade approach."
ABS FC Ilorin General Manager, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, commended Kwara SWAN members and urged them to continue supporting sports development in the state. He also congratulated Dogo on emerging 2026 Federation Cup champion.
Kwara SWAN Chairman, Mallam Ismail Ayodeji, thanked everyone who attended the session and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting sports and state ambassadors both home and abroad.
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