Taiwo Awoniyi has extended his support for young footballers in Ilorin by providing 350 pairs of football boots, adding practical support to the grassroots development work the Coventry City and Super Eagles striker has been building in his home state, Footynaija.com reports.
For Awoniyi, the latest donation follows a longer commitment to giving young players in Kwara State better opportunities to develop. His involvement goes beyond occasional support, with the striker taking an active role in organising youth football and helping create a pathway for promising players.
Awoniyi became the majority shareholder of the Kwara Kiddies League in July 2025 after first joining the competition as a sponsor in 2024. The league has since continued to provide a competitive platform for young players, with 14 academies involved in its 2026 season and more than 500 youngsters participating.
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His investment also comes as the league seeks to improve how young players are assessed and seen by clubs beyond their local environment. In September, the competition announced a partnership with Eyeball, a football technology platform that offers player-development tools and performance analysis.
Awoniyi said the aim was to give talented youngsters better access to opportunities, rather than leave their progress to chance. (kwarakiddiesleague.com)
Awoniyi distributes 350 pairs of boots
Reports indicate that the latest initiative saw 350 pairs of football boots distributed to children taking part in the Kwara Kiddies League. The donation is intended to support youngsters who need suitable equipment to train and compete.
The estimated value of the boots has been put at about ₦14 million, although an itemised cost has not been publicly confirmed. The donation nevertheless adds to Awoniyi’s support for grassroots football in Ilorin through his foundation and his involvement with the league.
The striker’s own career began in youth football in Nigeria before he moved into the professional game in Europe. He has since represented the Super Eagles and played in the English Premier League, experiences that inform his stated interest in improving the opportunities available to young Nigerian players.
