The Kwara Sports Personality of the Year 2025 initiative was conceived to celebrate and honour outstanding coaches, athletes and players whose dedication, excellence and achievements brought pride to Kwara State across various sporting disciplines.
From historic football triumphs to youth brilliance on national stages, the year under review showcased individuals who not only excelled but also elevated the sporting image of the state. Below are the nominees whose performances defined Kwara sports in 2025.
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TUNDE SANNI SALIHU (Football Coach)
Coach Tunde Sanni Salihu etched his name in gold as the man who broke the jinx for Kwara United FC, leading the club to its first-ever major trophy.
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, he masterminded the historic victory of the Harmony Boys as they lifted the President Federation Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Abakaliki FC.
His tactical brilliance and leadership made him the first coach to deliver a major national title to the club, earning Kwara United bragging rights among Nigeria’s football elite.
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ABDULSALAM YUSUF (Scrabble Player)
Six-year-old Abdulsalam Yusuf, a prodigy from Offa, Kwara State, stunned the nation with his extraordinary performance at the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Competing against older opponents, Abdulsalam claimed gold and silver medals in the Scrabble team events, showcasing remarkable intelligence, composure and brilliance.
He became the youngest athlete to win a medal in the history of the National Youth Games, firmly placing Kwara State on the national Scrabble map.
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WASIU ALALADE (Football Player)
Wasiu Alalade’s contribution to Kwara United’s Federation Cup success was nothing short of heroic.
His decisive goal against Rangers International at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, revived the Harmony Boys’ campaign and paved the way for their eventual triumph.
With vital goals throughout the 2024/25 season, Alalade exemplified hard work, dedication and commitment to the club’s historic success.
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AISHAT ABDURAHEEM (Squash Player)
Aishat Abduraheem proved her class and dominance on the squash court with an outstanding showing at the 9th National Youth Games.
Her agility, tenacity and discipline paid off as she claimed gold medals in both the team and singles events, earning widespread acclaim and reinforcing Kwara’s growing reputation in squash.
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GBOTEMI ADEKUNLE PRECIOUS (Badminton Player)
Gbotemi Adekunle Precious stood tall among her peers at the NYG in Asaba, displaying calmness, focus and technical excellence.
In front of a passionate home crowd at the Indoor Sports Hall, Stephen Keshi Stadium, she defied the odds to secure gold in women’s singles and bronze in mixed doubles, making her one of Kwara’s standout performers at the Games.
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RIDWAN ADEBAYO (Para-Powerlifter)
Ridwan Adebayo showcased resilience and strength in the para-powerlifting event at the National Youth Games.
Competing in the 49kg category, he claimed gold, contributing the third gold medal for Team Kwara in para-powerlifting and underlining the state’s strength in inclusive sports.
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ABDULMALEEK ATANDA (Cyclist)
Abdulmaleek Atanda thrilled spectators with sheer power, speed and endurance at the 9th NYG.
His display of class and determination earned gold in cycling, further boosting Kwara State’s medal haul and dominance in the sport.
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FALILAT ABDULRASAK (Cyclist)
Falilat Abdulrasak emerged as one of Kwara’s finest female cyclists at the Games.
Her impressive skills and consistency saw her clinch gold in the women’s cycling event, confirming her status as a rising force in Nigerian cycling.
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GANA GRACE (Fives Player)
Gana Grace demonstrated superiority and tactical intelligence in the Fives event at the National Youth Games.
Her remarkable outing yielded gold and silver medals, cementing her reputation as one of the best performers in the discipline.
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WHO IS YOUR KWARA SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2025?
These exceptional individuals defined sporting excellence in Kwara State in 2025 through talent, discipline and unforgettable achievements.
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