Kwara United officials say they are optimistic about staging their CAF Confederation Cup home clash against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the Rashidi Yekini Stadium in Ilorin, despite lingering uncertainty over the venue’s approval.
The Harmony Boys’ media officer, Ayodeji Ismail, confirmed on Tuesday that major renovation work is ongoing at the facility while the club awaits a formal inspection by the Confederation of African Football.
“If things work out for us, we should be playing at home because renovation is going on massively,” Ismail told Reporters. “The dressing room and other facilities are being worked on, but we are waiting for official confirmation from CAF. For now, we are hopeful we will be allowed to play in Ilorin.”
According to Ismail, the last inspection was carried out by Nigeria Football Federation officials about a month ago, who listed areas requiring urgent upgrades.
“We immediately swung into action, and corrections are ongoing. We are waiting for the next CAF visit, although we don’t know when that will be,” he added.
General Manager Bashir Badawiy also assured fans that the club is in constant contact with the NFF, stressing that the venue decision would be communicated in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Remo Stars, Nigeria’s CAF Champions League representatives, have already confirmed the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, as their home ground, heightening speculation that Kwara United could also relocate if Ilorin fails to secure approval.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq recently inspected the stadium and pledged full government backing to ensure it is ready. “We are making sure that work is being done with urgency so we pass the inspection. We do not want our supporters and team playing in Lagos or Abuja,” the governor said.
Kwara United, winners of the 2025 Federation Cup, will face Asante Kotoko in the first preliminary round, with the first leg set for Kumasi on September 21 and the return leg in Nigeria on September 28. The aggregate winner will meet Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in the next round.
Club officials insist fans will be kept updated once CAF makes a final decision. “If there is any report concerning where we are going to play, it will come from our media department,” Ismail said. “We are hopeful we will play in Ilorin, but if otherwise, we will come out openly to inform everyone.
