The Kwara State Football Association (KWSFA) appears to have made history in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) after introducing child mascots or player escorts into the opening ceremonies of all league matches played at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin, the state capital.
Following their victory over Abia Warriors on match day two, Kwara United played on their home field in Ilorin.
A novelty in the state and the NPFL, the introduction of child mascots during the opening funfair sent the stadium into a frenzy of excitement.
The ceremony was also a part of last Sunday’s home game against Rangers International of Enugu, demonstrating the permanence of the custom.
Alhaji Idris Musa, the chairman of the Kwara State FA, commented on the development by saying that it was one of the improvements that Nigerians and Kwarans would witness during games played at the state stadium.
“The match between Kwara United and Rangers made it the second time we played with the mascot kids accompanying the players.
“It’s an innovation we hope to sustain in all matches played in Kwara,” he said.
Children who accompany football players onto the field are known as player escorts, match mascots, or children mascots.
Player escorts walk in holding hands with the footballers and remain with them throughout the playing of the national anthem.
The kids range in age from six to eighteen, on average.
They frequently perform tasks like carrying flags, helping the sideline ball crew, and playing games with each other in addition to helping players.
According to the FA chairman, he plans to constantly remind players that they should view themselves as role models that the kids look up to.
“Child Mascots are also ambassadors of peace because their youth represents innocence and peace as FIFA intended them to be,” the FA chairman stated.
