The 2026 Kwara State Inter-Local Government Areas Peace and Unity Football Tournament (AIPUFT) ended on a high note, reinforcing its reputation as a leading grassroots sporting event in the region.

The ancient town of Tsaragi in Edu Local Government Area hosted the grand finale after two weeks of competitive matches involving 16 teams drawn from Edu, Patigi, Moro, Ifelodun, and Kaiama LGAs.

The final showdown featured Kolobigi FC of Lafiagi against Tsado FC of Tsaragi. After a tightly contested 90 minutes ended goalless, the encounter was decided via a penalty shootout. Kolobigi FC kept their composure from the spot to secure victory and claim the N500,000 grand prize.

The tournament, which commenced on February 1 following a formal draw on January 28, also saw organisers provide jerseys and FIFA-standard footballs to participating teams. Individual accolades, including the Golden Boot, Golden Glove, and Man of the Match awards, were presented to outstanding performers.

An elated Coach Habibullah, who led Kolobigi FC through an unbeaten campaign, described the triumph as a reward for the team's resilience and preparation.

"This is more than a trophy. We prepared mentally for every challenge, including penalties. This victory belongs to the players and the supporters who stood with us," he said.

He dedicated the win to the club's founder, Mohammed Idris Nasara, praising his commitment to grassroots talent development.

Aliyu Isa Edu, founder of AFA Football Academy Lafiagi and chief organiser of the tournament, said the initiative was designed to foster unity and create opportunities for young talents.

"Our goal is connection, not just competition," Edu stated. "We are identifying exceptional players who can access international opportunities. This is the first of many initiatives aimed at engaging our youth through peace-building and talent discovery."