Kwara: Kolobigi FC Wins AIEDU Inter-LG Peace and Unity Football Tournament
The ancient town of Tsaragi stood still on Saturday as thousands of football enthusiasts flooded the arena to witness a pulsating grand finale of the 2026 AIEDU Inter-LGA Peace and Unity Football Tournaments (AIPUFT).
What began two weeks earlier as a grassroots sporting initiative culminated in a dramatic penalty shootout victory for Kolobigi FC of Lafiagi over Tsado FC of Tsaragi.
From the opening whistle, the match carried the weight of community pride. Every tackle drew roars. Every near-miss triggered collective gasps. When regulation time ended in a stalemate, tension gripped the crowd. It was Kolobigi FC who ultimately held their nerve, converting decisive penalties to clinch the coveted title and the ₦500,000 grand prize.
A Tournament Built on Vision and Unity
AIPUFT 2026 was no ordinary local competition. Featuring 16 teams drawn from Edu, Patigi, Moro, Ifelodun, and Kaiama local government areas in Kwara State, the tournament was designed to promote peace, unity, and youth engagement. The Baruteen Local Government did not participate.
The competition had kicked off on February 1 with a much-anticipated opening clash between AFA Football Academy Lafiagi and Usman FC, following the official draw held on January 28 in Tsaragi. The release of fixtures had heightened excitement across Tsaragi and Share, with teams arriving days in advance to prepare for battle.
Organisers confirmed from the outset that beyond the ₦500,000 cash prize for the champions, jerseys and FIFA-standard footballs would be awarded. Individual brilliance was also recognised through honours including the Golden Boot, Golden Glove, and Man of the Match awards — incentives that raised the competitive stakes and showcased emerging talents.
Coach Habibullah: “This Is More Than a Trophy”
An emotional Coach Habibullah, who guided Kolobigi FC through the tournament unbeaten, described the triumph as a testament to discipline and belief. “The boys showed character. We prepared mentally for every challenge, including penalties. This victory belongs to the players and our supporters who stood with us throughout,” he said.
He dedicated the victory to the club’s founder, Mohammed Idris Nasara, praising his “vision and continuous support in building young talents from the grassroots.”
Organisers Promise Greater Youth Development
Aliyu Isa Edu, founder of AFA Football Academy Lafiagi and chief organiser of AIPUFT, reiterated that the tournament was conceived as a platform for peacebuilding and talent discovery.
“Our goal is not just competition, but connection,” he explained. “We are identifying exceptional players who can access international opportunities. More youth-centred development initiatives are underway to engage our young people meaningfully.”
He hinted at expanded academy programmes, mentorship initiatives, and potential scouting partnerships aimed at giving rural talents exposure beyond state boundaries.
Royal Endorsement and Peace Awards
The tournament’s peace-driven mission was underscored during the presentation of Peace Awards to respected community figures, including Etsu Tsaragi, the Oba of Share, Bayour Isa, Dr Manzuma Nda’aba, Memunat Manzuma, and other personalities.
In a goodwill message delivered by his representative, the Etsu Tsaragi commended organisers for using football as a vehicle for harmony:
“This tournament has strengthened bonds among our youth and reinforced peaceful coexistence. We encourage sustained investment in programmes that unite rather than divide our communities.” Also reacting to the success of the tournament, Hon. Mohammed Alhassan, former Kwara State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development described AIPUFT as “a model for grassroots sports administration.” “What we witnessed here goes beyond football. It is structured youth engagement. It reduces restiveness and channels energy into productivity. This is the kind of initiative government and private stakeholders must support consistently,” he stated.
He added that tournaments like AIPUFT complement state efforts in sports development by identifying raw talent early and instilling discipline.
Fans Speak: “This Is Our World Cup”
For many spectators, the final felt monumental.
A Tsaragi-based supporter, Ibrahim Sanni, said: “We may not travel to watch international matches, but today felt like the World Cup to us. The atmosphere, the tension, the pride — it was unforgettable.”
A Kolobigi FC fan who travelled from Lafiagi described the victory as “a reward for loyalty,” noting that the team’s unbeaten run had built confidence long before the final whistle.
Young players watching from the sidelines were equally inspired. Fourteen-year-old aspiring footballer Abdulkareem Musa said he now dreams of playing in a future edition. “Seeing players from our communities win big makes me believe it’s possible,” he said.
A Growing Platform for Emerging Talent
The early arrival of teams like AFA Football Academy Lafiagi at the start of the tournament signaled seriousness and professionalism. Observers noted improved organisation, better officiating, and enhanced community participation compared to previous editions.
With the curtain now drawn on AIPUFT 2026, the echoes of cheers in Tsaragi reflect more than sporting triumph. They symbolise possibility — for unity across Edu, Patigi, Moro, Ifelodun, and Kaiama; for youth empowerment; and for grassroots football as a transformative force in Kwara State.
As organisers prepare future initiatives, one thing is certain: AIPUFT has evolved from a local tournament into a beacon of community-driven development — and Kolobigi FC’s victory will be remembered as a defining chapter in that journey.