By Wale Mustapha
Former Nigeria goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba has expressed delight after adding another Federation Cup title to his name—this time in a new role as goalkeeper coach with Kwara United.
Aiyenugba, who previously lifted the prestigious trophy as a player with Enyimba in 2005, helped guide Kwara United to victory in this year’s final against Abakaliki FC.
The Harmony Boys clinched the title via a penalty shootout at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos last month.
Speaking to the club’s media, the veteran shot-stopper said the achievement holds deep personal significance.
“I feel ecstatic and a deep sense of fulfillment to have won the President Federation Cup in my playing days at Enyimba and now as a goalkeeper coach at Kwara United,” Aiyenugba said.
“It’s a thing of joy to achieve such feats, and this will remain one of the biggest moments of my life in football.”
The victory also secured Kwara United a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, marking a return to continental football for the Ilorin-based club.
Aiyenugba, widely regarded as one of the most experienced figures in the Nigerian league, is expected to play a key role in preparing the team for their upcoming continental campaign.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
