Kumbi Titiloye: A Football Aficionado, A Master Jinx Breaker

By Kehinde Obaro

As far as modern football administration in Nigeria is concerned, Kumbi Titiloye needs no introduction. Jinx breaking is not new to the Oro-born football genius either, the former administrator of Kwara Football Academy led the State to its first Shell Cup trophy. Now he’s rewritten the football history of the State by leading Kwara United to its first senior national title, the President Federation Cup after the Harmony Boys successfully tamed the acclaimed Abakaliki FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena on 28th June in Onikan, Lagos.

The team’s U19 Boys also displayed superior soccer artistry by winning the inaugural edition of the National Youth League.

Despite naysayers’ doubting the team’s chances and the capacity of the current management to grab the once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a national trophy to the passionate and sometimes overzealous supporters of Kwara United, even after making it to the first final of the competition in 49 years after little-known Alyufsalam Rocks of Ilorin stunned bigger clubs across Nigeria to reach the final of what was then called the Challenge Cup, eventually losing 2-0 to Rangers International of Enugu.

Titiloye didn’t only channel his God-given talent, contacts and energy into bringing the two National trophies to the state but he surrounds himself with capable individuals who share his vision. His approach emphasizes teamwork and collective effort. “The first method of estimating the intelligence of a ‘leader’ is the quality of men he has around him” – Niccolo Machiavelli’s famous words resonates with Titiloye’s philosophy.

The “King of Boys” as he is fondly called by his teeming admirers has maintained the club’s place in the NPFL division for six consecutive seasons, despite many challenges, and secured another qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup for the second time under his leadership. No management has achieved these feats since the inception of the club. Under Kumbi Titiloye Kwara United have gone from a modestly followed club to one with a large followership and vibrant social media presence.

Appointed Chairman in 2019 for a four-year tenure—which was renewed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq—Titiloye’s prudence as well as provision of impactful and resourceful leadership earned him a seat on the NPFL board. For the modest and humble sports technocrat, he is not taking his many jinx breaking achievements for personal agradizement.

He has maintained that in face of many challenges, the triumph of the club is a collective achievement by all Kwarans, beginning with the Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

“We have come a long way through thick and thin, ups and downs, but we have remained resolute in facing the challenges as they crop up. Special thanks to the Governor for always supporting us so we can continue to flourish and excel.

“I must also commend the State Sports Commission under the leadership of Coach Bola Magaji; the football fraternity in the state, especially the State FA; the Referees Council; the Supporters and Fans Club; the sports journalists (SWAN), and other stakeholders for standing behind the team.

“The potential is there for Kwara United to grow and win more laurels, but we must shun sentiments, continue to work together, and remember that the club belongs to the State, not any individual. It’s about all of us, not about an individual.

“Looking back at what we’ve achieved, and with the Governor’s continuous support, we can turn these achievements into more opportunities, especially by designing strategies to explore possibilities in the ever-growing global football market.

“This club has united Kwarans like never before, and you can see it in the turnout at our final match match at the MJA stadium Onikan in Lagos. Our fans have enhanced our support, and served as the 12th-man. Our players draw strength from that atmosphere to improve their performance and results. That’s what keeps us going.

“We encourage professionalism in all areas, welfare, medicals, media and prompt payment of salaries—and that’s all thanks to Governor AbdulRazaq. These have boosted our new status and, hopefully, will propel us to continue to achieve more.

“We can do better, and we should start thinking about doing better. With everyone’s support, we can break more jinxes. They’re breakable. So that one day, we can take pride in being part of a positive history,” the experienced Football Administrator explained.

Though the unpredictability of Sports is one of its strongest attractions, the amiable Chairman of Kwara United is confident that the President Federation Cup Trophy only marks the beginning of good things to come.

He urged Kwarans to continue supporting the team noting that with their backing, Kwara United have what it takes to win the NPFL League soon—a feat it has never achieved.

Kumbi Titiloye has meticulously piloted the club towards a path of sustainable growth and unarguably brought tangible achievements to Kwara United Football Club and pride to it’s teeming fans and supporters. His deliberate policy of constantly exposing talented players to shine nationally has paid off, with the recent invitation of Nurudeen Badmus, Kabir Muhammed and Afeez Bankole to the CHAN Eagles camp alongside the invitation of Shola Abduraheem and Ibrahim Yahaya to the Flying Eagles camp.