KSL Chairman Femi Ajilore Hails Stakeholders, Partners After Successful 2025 Season

KSL Chairman Femi Ajilore Hails Stakeholders, Partners After Successful 2025 Season

By Niyi Busari 

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Kids Soccer League (KSL), Femi Ajilore, has extended heartfelt appreciation to key stakeholders, sports administrators, and individuals who played pivotal roles in the successful execution of the league’s third edition.

Speaking after the grand finale held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the HOFK Garden in Wuye, Abuja, Ajilore—an Olympic medalist and former Super Eagles midfielder—highlighted the invaluable support of the FCT Football Association Chairman, Muktar Mohammed, Secretary Haruna Ilerika, as well as other key figures including Ambassador Fanny Amun, Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One (NLO), Shola Ogunnowo, and Dr. Ayo Abdulrahman, FCT Referee Association, FCT Coaches Association among others.

The 2025 edition of the KSL concluded in spectacular fashion, with FC International and Refined Nuggets Football Academy emerging champions in their respective categories. FC International dominated the U-8 and U-10 divisions, while Refined Nuggets topped the U-13 category, all after an intense season played in a round-robin, home-and-away format.

In total, eight teams competed in each category, playing 12 matches apiece. FC International secured their U-8 crown with 28 points, and went one better in the U-10 division, finishing with 29 points. Refined Nuggets FA matched that U-8 total with 28 points to clinch the U-13 title, capping a highly competitive season.

The grand finale drew an enthusiastic crowd of parents, football lovers, and dignitaries who witnessed exciting exhibition matches featuring the top teams facing off against Selected XI sides composed of standout talents from other academies. These matches not only celebrated team success but also spotlighted individual brilliance across age groups.

In a gesture acknowledging the broader development of grassroots football, organisers presented trophies and individual awards to outstanding players, teams, and veteran contributors to the game in Nigeria. Among those honoured was Ambassador Fanny Amun, former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who praised the league’s growth and lauded Femi Ajilore for his leadership and vision.

“This league continues to show how vibrant and promising Nigeria’s grassroots football scene is,” said Amun. “Femi Ajilore and his team deserve immense credit for creating such a well-structured platform for the next generation of stars.”

Femi Ajilore, a 2016 Olympics gold medalist, concluded by reaffirming the league’s commitment to nurturing young football talents and deepening community engagement through sport.