By Oyelowo Hadizat, Adeyanju Shogunle, Abdullahi Saka & Hameed Sanusi
Kwara State, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and esteemed academic institutions, is also fostering athletic talent. Emmanuel Dennis’s remarkable journey exemplifies this. Starting at Kwara Football Academy Ilorin, Dennis’s talent propelled him to Europe, where he played for clubs like Zorja Luhansk and Club Brugge, before signing with Watford in 2021. He scored on his Premier League debut and later joined Nottingham Forest, earning eight caps for Nigeria’s national team. His success story underscores the state’s potential in sports development.
The Kwara State government has made significant investments in sports infrastructure, including constructing eight new squash courts and renovating Olympic-standard facilities. The Kwara State Sports Commission and Ministry of Sports and Youth Development actively support these initiatives, enabling the state to carve out a prominent place in Nigeria’s sporting narrative. Key programs include talent identification and development initiatives, nurturing young athletes primarily within institutions across the state. This community-based approach represents a substantial investment, aimed at boosting sports participation across all levels.
Kwara’s dedication to sports development is further evident in its organization of national sports events and creation of top-notch facilities. The state’s premier football team, Kwara United, participates in the Nigeria Professional Football League, representing the state’s athletic aspirations. Additionally, the Kwara Falcons, the state’s basketball team, competes in the Nigeria Premier League, having secured a championship title in 2022 and participated in the Basketball African League (BAL) in 2023.
Other notable athletes from Kwara include Taiwo Awoniyi, a striker for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and represents the Nigerian national team. Awoniyi started his football career at United Academy before transferring to Imperial Soccer Academy in Lagos. His emergence occurred at a Coca-Cola tournament, resulting in his selection for Nigeria’s U-17 World Cup-winning squad in 2013. Later, he joined Liverpool and subsequently played for various other European teams. Currently a forward for Nottingham Forest, he recently garnered attention by netting a decisive goal against his old team, Liverpool.
Adebayo Adeleye, a goalkeeper from Ilorin, is rapidly emerging as a significant presence in football, serving as a goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel. His quick reflexes and authoritative presence have garnered him recognition domestically and internationally. His path from the local level in Ilorin to the global football stage attests to his diligence and commitment.
Kwara’s sporting impact isn’t limited to men’s football only. Isiaia Asiata Ololade, a rising star in women’s football, plays as a defensive midfielder for Abia Warriors in the Nigerian Premier Women’s League. Her rise reflects the growing opportunities for female athletes within the state. Another Women’s Football Prodigy is Rofiat Imuran, a trailblazer from Kwara. Imuran has represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and now plays for Stade de Reims in France. Her agility and tactical intelligence on the field are admired by fans and analysts alike. Imuran’s achievements continue to encourage more young women in Kwara to take up football seriously.
Mariam Usman, a powerlifting powerhouse, has competed for Nigeria in several Olympic Games and Commonwealth competitions in powerlifting. She has won many medals and continues to motivate the upcoming generation of strength athletes in Nigeria.
Another remarkable talent is Mariam Eniola Bolaji, an accomplished Nigerian para-badminton athlete. She is ranked 3rd in the world in the SL3 Category by the Para World Badminton Federation. She participated in the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, securing a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 event. Mariam is the inaugural African to earn a medal in the sport at both the Olympics and Paralympics, securing Bronze in the women’s SL3 singles at the Paris Games.
The accomplishments of these athletes highlight Kwara State’s essential influence on Nigeria’s sports scene, showcasing the state’s abundant sports history and its ability to develop elite athletes. By maintaining investments in sports facilities and youth training initiatives, Kwara is set to generate additional champions who will excel on both national and global platforms. These athletes serve as powerful inspirations, fueling the aspirations of a new generation of Kwara youth to pursue their athletic dreams and contribute to the state’s burgeoning sporting legacy.
