Unilorite leads Model Queens to Kwara FA/Flow FM Cup victory
By Mustafa Abubakar
A 200-level student of the Department of Human Kinetics Education, University of Ilorin, Abdulwahab Muhyideen Olawale (Coach Muhyideen), has led Model Queens Football Club to victory in the Kwara FA/Flow FM Federation Cup.
The “student-coach”, who combines his academic pursuits with active coaching responsibilities, attributed the team’s success to discipline, passion and effective time management.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin penultimate Thursday (April 30, 2026), Coach Muhyideen explained that he approaches both academics and coaching as complementary responsibilities, noting that while his studies at UNILORIN broaden his intellectual capacity and future prospects, coaching enhances his leadership skills, discipline and community impact.
The undergraduate coach disclosed that his coaching career began in 2015, while Model Queens was established in 2020 with a philosophy centred on discipline, sportsmanship and player development.
“The team has since grown steadily, with over 35 players currently under its fold”, he added.
Speaking on the club’s challenges, the Coach identified inadequate funding as a major constraint, particularly in the provision of equipment, kits and training facilities, stressing that financial support remains crucial for player development and performance improvement.
He said, “Despite these challenges, Model Queens have recorded notable achievements in recent years”, pointing out that the team placed third at the Offa Tournament in 2023 and 2024, finished second in the APFAN League in 2024, secured third position at the Ede Tournament in 2024, and emerged runners-up at the YSFON Tournament in 2025.”
According to him, “the major breakthroughs of the club include winning the maiden Aduni Onigbin Championship in 2025 and clinching the 2026 Kwara State Federation Cup title.”
Reflecting on the latest triumph, the student-coach described the Federation Cup victory as a landmark achievement that reflects the sacrifices, resilience and commitment of the players and technical crew.
He added that beyond winning a trophy, the success demonstrates the power of teamwork, dedication and clear vision.
Looking ahead, he stated that his immediate goal is to build a more competitive and disciplined team capable of sustained success, while nurturing young talents.
He also expressed the long-term ambition of developing Model Queens into one of Nigeria’s leading female football academies, with the potential to compete at the national league level and inspire future generations of female footballers.
