Kwara United is an Ilorin-based side that features in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). They have established themselves as a mainstay of the NPFL, having secured a top-four spot in two of the most recent three seasons.
Read below to find out the club's history, players, past achievements, news, and latest signings.
History of Kwara United
@KwaraUnitedFC arrived Nikki, Benin Republic for two International Friendly matches 🆚 Cavalier FC on 19th August & Buffles FC on 20th at the same venue. Both Team play in top football division called Championnat National du Bénin. The league was held for the first time in 1969 pic.twitter.com/ojhozDHRXt
— Kwara United F.C. (@KwaraUnitedFC) August 18, 2023
Kwara United started as Kwara Water Corporation Football Club in 1974. It was initially a side project for the staff members of the Water Corporation. Five years later, as the football institution continued to progress, it was given permission to feature in the National League's second division.
Kwara United wasted no time in making a quick impression as they reached the quarterfinals of the Football Association Cup, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat.
The club changed its name to Kwara Utility Bombers of Ilorin in 1985 after the parent company's renaming to Kwara Utility Board.
In 1990, yet another change of name happened to Kwara Bombers Football Club of Ilorin. What followed was a period of financial difficulties, which led to the club’s relegation to Division 3 in 1996.
Led by Colonel Peter Asum Ogar, a new state administration led the purchase of the Exide Club of Ibadan in March 1997, moved them to Ilorin, and took their slot in the Second Division. Ogar named the new outfit Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin.
Kwara United staff profile
Head coach: Kabiru Dogo
Welfare secretary: Niyi Ogunlana
Media officer: Jimoh Bashir
Club Chairman: Kumbi Titiloye
Wishing @KwaraUnitedFC Chairman many more fulfilling and fruitful years in good health. HBD and Best Wishes always. Congratulations Sir. Kumbi Titiloye pic.twitter.com/rnK8w8vh59
— Kwara United F.C. (@KwaraUnitedFC) July 30, 2023
Kwara United Players
Goalkeepers
Dele Aiyenugba
Adeyinka Adewale
Ishola Abdullateef
Saliu Suleiman
Defenders
Adebayo Abiodun
Ayodeji Bamidele
Muhammed Kabiru
Muritala Lawal
Yakubu Ahmed
Abiodun Ayobami
Midfielders
Feeling the turf for our last #GroupA match of #ValueJetCup23 🆚 @SportingLagos
TEAM LIST
Dele Ayenugba 1
Kabiru Balogun 15
Kabiru Muhammed 23
Issa Mogaji 28
Ejeh Isaiah 21
Muritala Dagbo 25
Bernard Ovoke 30
Omaka Anthony 24
Tosin Olubobola 11
Muhammed Alao 16
Abubakar Garba 27 pic.twitter.com/XaiBftZVFo— Kwara United F.C. (@KwaraUnitedFC) August 6, 2023
Kabiru Balogun
Samuel Chisom
Sani Faisal
Jide Fatokun
Yakub Hammed
Ahmed Jimoh
Anthony Omaka
Aremu Owolabi
Forwards
Musa Abdulazeez
Musa Afeez
Adeshina Gata
Samad Kadiri
Paul Samson
Ibrahim Yahaya
Kwara United players salary
We don't have the salary information of the players curently on Kwara United’s books.
Kwara United Stadium
#InternationalFriendly #FansCorner
THANK YOU for your supports at our matches in Benin🇧🇯 Republic pic.twitter.com/DQmjMxMMi5— Kwara United F.C. (@KwaraUnitedFC) August 20, 2023
Kwara United plays their home matches at the Kwara State Stadium, formerly known as the Liberation Stadium. It is located in Ilorin with a maximum seating capacity of 18,000.
Kwara United achievements
1997: National Second Division winners
1999: CAF Cup quarter-finals
2006: Nigerian Premier League winners (regular season), third in Super Four play-off
2007: First-ever appearance at the CAF Confederations Cup
Kwara United new signings
Kwara United have shown great intent in the transfer window, having acquired the services of several players.
The following players were recently added to the Kwara United roster:
Oginni Olatunbosun (Midfielder)
Muhammed Kabiru (Defender)
Ibrahim Yahaya (Midfielder)
Saliu Suleiman (Goalkeeper)
Isaiah Ejeh (Defender)
Moses Ibukun (Defender)
Kwara United CAF competitions profile
CAF Cup: 1 appearance
1999: Quarter-final
CAF Confederation Cup
2007: Group stage
What’s next for Kwara United?
Kwara United have come close to qualifying for CAF competitions of late, and that will be their primary target heading into the upcoming NPFL campaign.
The Afonja finished seventh in the standings last time out, 13 points shy of third place, which would have guaranteed them a shot at continental football.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
