The Kwara chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) says the continental ticket handed over to the state’s darling team, Kwara United FC, is a reward for the State Government’s commitment to the team and sports development generally.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the association, Olayinka Owolewa, on Monday in Ilorin, the association noted that the ticket was also a reward for the determination of the management to change the narrative in the state, as it concerned the club.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kwara United Football Club was listed as the second representative for the country in the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) cup competition.
Rivers United FC and Plateau United FC will play in the CAF Champions League, while Remo Stars, which ended in the third position on the final league table, and fourth-placed Kwara United will play in the CAF Confederation Cup.
While congratulating the team, SWAN however called for early preparation for the team ahead of the bigger challenge to ensure good representation in the competition.
Kwara United FC would have to reconstitute the technical crew and as well recruit more tested players in preparation for the competition.
The body also urged the government to adequately support the club and also ensure that all the necessary infrastructure and other facilities were put in place on time ahead of the commencement of the competition.
NAN recalls that Kwara United FC had previously played in the CAF competition twice, in the 1999/2000 and 2006/2007 seasons, and ended their campaigns on the two occasions in the quarter-finals.
Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola.