By Sulaiman Saheed
The National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), Usman Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS), has appealed for the just-concluded Interstate competition final cash prize.
Recall that, on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Kwara State’s team, coached by Olanipekun Rasheed Olakunle, emerged as champions after defeating the Abuja team in the final, marking the state’s first victory since the commencement of the annual competition. Although the winning trophy was presented to them, the team claims the usual accompanying cash prize has yet to be delivered.
Speaking with DIGEST PRESS, Coach Olanipekun, a 400-level student of English and Literary Studies, expressed disappointment over the incident.
“When we returned the trophy, we told the school coach we were still waiting for the cash prize. He was surprised and said we ought to have received it by then. He directed us to the Students’ Union Sports Director, Abdulrahman Olamide, who told us that no provision for a cash prize had been made this year,” Olanipekun explained.
Mr. Olanipekun further added that after winning the competition, they had requested the prize on the day of their victory but were asked to return the trophy first—a condition they fulfilled.
Kwara State Team’s Disappointment
Yakubu Qudus Gado, one of the Kwara State team’s defenders, expressed his belief, claiming that they should have been rewarded financially, as winning first place in an interstate competition is not an easy achievement.
“I feel disappointed because despite all our effort and hard work in emerging first, we were not given any cash prize,” he lamented.
Mr Qudus further explained that if this condition continues, people may begin to lose interest in participating in interstate competitions and any kind of sports in general.
For Turawa Kamaldeen Olaitan, a 400-level Sociology student and team member, described the situation as discouraging.
“It was disheartening that our state did not receive the cash prize despite winning the competition, especially given the dedication and effort we invested to secure the victory,” he said.
Similarly, spectators also expressed their disappointment. Adebiyi Uthman, a 100-level Optometry student, commended the players’ resilience and adaptability but commented on the lack of reward.
“Despite their energy, commitment, and sacrifice, the school has failed to compensate them. It makes their efforts feel unworthy. I was so sad,” he lamented.
SU-CTC Chairman Responds
During an Interview with Digest, the SU-CTC Chairman, Nasiru Yusuf Shehu, commented on the situation, explaining the reasons for the lack of cash prize in the competition.
“This year, the school management said they could not cover the burden of the interstate football competition as they usually do. We had to handle it ourselves, and since it consumes a lot, we decided not to award a cash prize. We planned to give an equivalent benefit to the students instead,” he explained.