Soni Ahamioje, the manager of Kwara Arsenal Kiddies FC, whose side won the just concluded Oba Erediauwa Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON)-organised national U-13 boys soccer competition, has dedicated the victory to the state governor.

In an interview with journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, with trophy that has eluded Kwara State for 22 years, Ahamioje thanked the government and people Kwara State for their love and support for Kwara Arsenal Kiddies.

According to Ahamioje: "I want thank God for this victory and also the good people of Kwara State for their prayers and wonderful support.

"We are particularly grateful to our hard working, dynamic and sports loving governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, for his financial assistance and support for the kids. We deicate the trophy to him.

"Equally, we want appreciate Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, for giving us the first opportunity and sponsoring us to participate in the tournament in 2010.

"Now that we are the champions of Nigeria, we have secured the ticket to represent the country in Norway in July, 2013. We therefore wish to appeal to Governor Ahmed to sponsor the team to Norway.

"By the grace of God and with the prayers of the good people of Kwara State, Arsenal Kiddies will be in Norway in July."

It is recalled that the Kwara representatives in this year’s edition of Oba Erediauwa National U-13 boys soccer competition, Arsenal Kiddies, came from behind to beat Kano boys 2-1 in the final, with the two goals scored by the captain of the team, David Okoromi.

It would also be recalled that the Pishon handball club of Ilorin two weeks ago secured a ticket to represent Nigeria at the Partille handball championship in Sweden when her U-12 female team beat everybody in a magnificent style in Isanlu, Kogi state.