Winner Emerges In Kwara Peace Tourney
Kolobigi FC of Lafiagi have been crowned champions of the 2026 AIEDU Inter-LGA Peace and Unity Football Tournament (AIPUFT). They defeated Tsado FC of Tsaragi on penalties in a tense final played in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area. Regulation time ended goalless after both sides failed to convert several chances in the fiercely contested encounter […]
Kolobigi FC of Lafiagi have been crowned champions of the 2026 AIEDU Inter-LGA Peace and Unity Football Tournament (AIPUFT).
They defeated Tsado FC of Tsaragi on penalties in a tense final played in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area.
Regulation time ended goalless after both sides failed to convert several chances in the fiercely contested encounter watched by thousands of spectators.
Kolobigi FC held their nerve in the ensuing shootout, converting decisive spot kicks to claim the title and the ₦500,000 grand prize.
The weekend final capped two weeks of competition involving 16 teams drawn from Edu, Patigi, Moro, Ifelodun and Kaiama local government areas of Kwara State.
Baruteen Local Government did not participate.
The tournament, which kicked off on February 1 following a draw held on January 28 in Tsaragi, featured cash rewards, jerseys and FIFA-standard footballs for outstanding teams.
There were also individual awards including the Golden Boot, Golden Glove and Man of the Match honours.
Kolobigi FC coach, Habibullah, said his team prepared for every scenario, including penalties.
“We worked on discipline and mental strength. The players stayed focused, and that made the difference,” he said.
He dedicated the victory to the club’s founder, Mohammed Idris Nasara, for his sustained grassroots investment in youth development.
Chief organiser of the tournament and founder of AFA Football Academy Lafiagi, Aliyu Isa Edu, described the competition as a platform for peacebuilding and talent discovery.
“Our objective is to engage young people constructively and identify talents who can progress beyond local competitions,” he said.
He added that expanded academy programmes and scouting initiatives are being considered.
The peace-driven focus of the tournament was highlighted during the presentation of Peace Awards to prominent community figures, including the Etsu Tsaragi and the Oba of Share.
In a goodwill message delivered by his representative, the Etsu Tsaragi commended the organisers for promoting unity through sport.
“This initiative strengthens peaceful coexistence among our communities,” he stated.
Former Kwara State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mohammed Alhassan, who attended the final, described AIPUFT as a structured grassroots competition that complements broader sports development efforts.
“What we have seen here is organised youth engagement. It channels energy positively and identifies talent early,” he said.
Spectators described the final as one of the most competitive fixtures in the tournament, with loud support from both Tsaragi and Lafiagi fans throughout the match.