Wasiu Alalade’s Goal Sends Kwara United to Historic Cup Final

Wasiu Alalade couldn’t hide his excitement after scoring the decisive goal that booked Kwara United’s place in their first ever President Federation Cup final ending a 49 year wait. The striker struck in the 50th minute to seal a 1–0 victory over Rangers International during Wednesday’s semi-final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The win secured Kwara United’s spot in the grand finale against surprise contenders Abakaliki FC, who despite languishing at the bottom of the NNL Conference B, have stunned multiple teams en route to the final.

Alalade, a former Nigeria U23 invitee who previously played for ABS Ilorin, described the moment as one of immense pride and gratitude. “I’m excited and very happy that we won. I’m proud to have played a role in this journey by being the one God used to get us the win,” he told reporters.

Having scored 11 goals and contributed two assists this season, Alalade dedicated his semi-final winner to God, the fans, and the club’s loyal supporters. He also spoke of the collective pride within the team for making history.

Looking ahead to the final against Abakaliki FC, Alalade acknowledged the quality and determination of their lower-league opponents. “We won’t underrate them. They deserve to be in the final, and we know it will be tough. But here at Kwara United, we only know one spirit the spirit of victory.”

The 2025 Federation Cup final promises to be a gripping showdown between two clubs eager to etch their names in Nigerian football history.

Editorial

We live for moments like these in football not just for the triumphs of giants, but for the emergence of unlikely heroes and historic feats. Wasiu Alalade’s goal was more than just a match winner it was a key that unlocked five decades of dreams for Kwara United.

What this team has achieved is a celebration of patience, persistence, and purpose. For 49 years, they waited. And now, thanks to a single strike, they stand on the cusp of something monumental. It’s a story that resonates far beyond Ilorin it speaks to every underdog, every overlooked talent, every club that has dared to believe despite the odds.

Alalade’s words ring true. Football isn’t just a game it’s memory in motion. This final is not just a fixture on the calendar it’s an inscription in history. And facing fellow debutants Abakaliki FC, themselves the tournament’s surprise package, only adds to the intrigue.

What makes this all the more compelling is the humility and clarity shown by Kwara United. There’s no chest-thumping. No disrespect to their opposition. Just quiet, confident anticipation. That’s the mindset of a team that knows victory is earned, not assumed.

This is what the Federation Cup should be a proving ground where passion overrides pedigree. And if the semi-final is anything to go by, the final will be unforgettable.

Did You Know?

1. Kwara United’s previous best finish in the Federation Cup came in the 1970s, when they reached the quarter-finals.
2. The Mobolaji Johnson Arena, where the semi-final was held, is one of Nigeria’s oldest football venues, originally built in 1930.
3. Wasiu Alalade once underwent specialised knee treatment in Argentina while in the Nigeria U23 camp.
4. Abakaliki FC, Kwara’s opponents in the final, eliminated two top-flight teams en route to the final, despite playing in the second division.
5. The Federation Cup was formerly known as the Challenge Cup and has been contested annually since 1945.