Kwara United CAF venue approval remains in limbo as club eyes Ilorin but may be forced to relocate to Abeokuta for Confederation Cup clash with Kotoko

Kwara United CAF venue approval remains in limbo as the club continues to await confirmation on whether their home ground in Ilorin will meet CAF standards in time for their upcoming Confederation Cup fixture.

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According to Kwara United’s Secretary, Idris Ismail, the last inspection was conducted not by CAF but by officials from the Nigeria Football Federation nearly a month ago, shortly before the new NPFL season began.

“They told us some of the things we needed to do so that the stadium can meet CAF standards,” Ismail said. “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.”

The uncertainty has sparked growing speculation that the club may be forced to play its home fixture against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in Abeokuta, following in the footsteps of fellow Nigerian side Remo Stars.

The NPFL champions have already secured approval to use the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta for their CAF Champions League matches.

Kwara United General Manager, Bashir Badawiy, confirmed that the club remains in contact with the NFF and said that an official announcement on the match venue will be made in the coming days.

The situation is particularly sensitive for supporters and state authorities.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, during a recent inspection, pledged that the government would do everything possible to ensure that the team plays in Ilorin.

“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 CAF venue approval would provide a vital morale boost as the team gears up for the high-stakes first round tie against Kotoko.

The Ghanaian side, two-time African champions, will host the first leg in Kumasi on 21 September, with the return fixture in Nigeria scheduled for 28 September.

The winner of the tie will face Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca in the next round of the Confederation Cup — a daunting challenge that makes home advantage all the more crucial.

For Kwara United, this marks their third appearance in the competition. Hosting in Ilorin would not only galvanise the team but also provide a lift for local fans eager to witness continental football on home soil.

Ismail stressed that supporters would be kept informed as soon as a final decision is reached.

“If there is any report concerning where we are going to play, it is going to come from our media department,” he said. “We are hopeful we will play in Ilorin, but if otherwise, we will come out openly to inform everyone.”

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As CAF’s decision looms, all eyes are now on Ilorin — and whether the upgrades can be completed in time to pass inspection.