By Imam Moromoke
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Kwara Central Senatorial candidate, Mall. Salihu Mustapha has pledged the sum of $500 for each goal scored by the Kwara United football team against the Nigeriens, and there is an additional $10,000 on the table for the players if they advance through the group stage, as well as a more generous cash prize if they win the forthcoming CAF Confederation cup.
The politician, who doubled as the Turaki of Ilorin disclosed this via a statement he personally signed and made available to Fresh Insight.
It would be recalled that last month, at the request of Kwara United FC management, Mustapha had sponsored a ‘open gate’ for supporters and football enthusiasts in Kwara state to watch for free the team’s final home game against Mountain of Fire FC in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), where the Harmony Warriors defeated their opponents 3-0 to advance to the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup and represent Nigeria.
Mustapha in the statement said “As a result of their outstanding performances so far, I am pleased to announce a financial reward for the team ahead of their first round match against AS Douanes of Niger Republic on Sunday in Lagos.”
“I am pledging $500 for each goal scored by the team against the Nigeriens, and there is an additional $10,000 on the table for the players if they advance through the group stage, as well as a more generous cash prize if they win the tournament.
“In addition, I have directed my team to make adequate transportation arrangements, in collaboration with the Kwara United Supporters’ Club, for those who may be willing but unable to attend the match live in Lagos. Regular tickets will also be made available for free to the contingents.”
He added that the gesture was his modest way of supporting Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s vision of always elevating Kwara through sports, hoping that the financial reward motivates the Kwara United FC team to achieve greatness, which has been their hallmark for many years, and to represent Kwara and Nigeria in the continental competition.
He urged all soccer-loving Nigerians in Lagos and its environs to come to the Mobolaji Johnson stadium in Onikan this Sunday (September 11 at 9 a.m.) to cheer on Kwara United team and make the second leg in Niamey on September 18th a formality.
