Wasiu Alalade, a former Nigeria U-23 Olympic Eagles invitee, has exclusively told Completesports.com that he’s exceptionally excited after scoring the lone goal that sent his club, Kwara United, to their first-ever President Federation Cup final in their 49 years of existence.
The former ABS Ilorin forward’s 50th-minute strike proved decisive as the Harmony Boys edged Rangers International 1–0 in Wednesday’s 2025 President Federation Cup semi-final clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (MJA), Onikan, Lagos.
Kwara United held on tenaciously to set up a final clash against fellow debutants, Abakaliki FC—this year’s giant-killers—despite the latter struggling in the second-tier NNL Conference B table.
Also Read: Onyedika ‘Proud’ Of Abakaliki FC Players After Bagging Maiden Federation Cup Final Berth
Twenty-five-year-old Alalade, who travelled to Argentina to meet a knee specialist while in the U23 Eagles camp, also told Completesports.com that he is dedicating the goal and victory to “God and the fans and supporters of Kwara United.”
“First, I will say I’m excited and very happy that we won and will now play in the final for the first time,” Alalade who has netted 11 goals and two assists for Kwara United across all competitions this season told Completesports.com on Thursday morning.
“I’m also happy because I played a role in this journey to the final by being the one that God used to give us this victory, by making me the one who scored the goal. I’m excited and thankful to Him.
“As a team, we’re happy that this joyous moment is happening in our time at the club. History will remember us in the future as the players whose efforts saw the team reach this feat at this point in time.”
Kwara United will now face the 2025 tournament’s surprise package and undisputed giant-killers, Abakaliki FC, in the Federation Cup grand finale.
Abakaliki FC are a National League side, currently bottom of the NNL Conference B table and facing an imminent drop to the Nationwide League One.
Also Read: Troost Ekong Foundation Announces 2nd Edition Of Celebrity Football Match
Alalade admitted it would be an intriguing contest between two exciting and ambitious sides.
“There’s only one spirit here at Kwara United, and that’s the spirit of victory. Yes, nothing good comes easy, so we expect a tough game. They are a good and determined side, and their place in the final is testament to that.
“Yes, they are an NNL side. I’ve been there before too. Some of my teammates have also been part of the NNL at some point, so we’re not unmindful of their strength. On their part, some of their players may have featured in the Premiership before. So, it’s going to be an interesting game.
“The reason this competition is called the Challenge Cup is because it’s open to all teams, and no one can claim to be better until after the 90 minutes. We won’t underrate them, because they have their strengths too,” Alalade said.
By Sab Osuji
