Kwara United Football Club today, Wednesday June 12, 2024, defeated Kano Pillars 2-0 in the Matchday 36 encounter of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
The all-important encounter brought the best out of the home side, dictating the phase from the blast of the whistle, a performance that underscored the understanding of their position of the table before the match.
A half volley by Ibrahim Dehinde in the 27th minute, as well as a well taken penalty kick by defender Ejeh Isaiah in the 58th minute won the maximum points for Kwara United, to finally ease relegation worries.
The early raid on Pillars defence by Kwara United almost gave the home team the lead, with the combination of Emmanuel Ogbole, Alalade Wasiu and Dehinde Ibrahim proving too much for Pillars, neutralising the influence of veteran Rabiu Ali in the midfield.
Rabiu Ali was later removed, with the veteran attracting huge ovation from fans for his tremendous influence on the game and Nigeria league itself.
Kwara United made early substitution in the second half with the introduction of Rahman Olarenwaju in place of seemingly uncoordinated Jimoh Gbadamosi, to strengthen the defence.
Good tactical display by Alao Mohammad and Issa Gata freed Alalade Wasiu in the 56th minute, but was fouled by goalkeeper Idris Ibrahim inside Pillars box, as Ejeh Isaiah converted the resultant penalty kick, to make it two for the home team.
Kwara United brought in Shola Abdulraheem and Garba Abubakar in place of Gata and Dehinde in the 62nd minute, and much later, introduced Kabir Balogun and Oshagbemi Godwin for Musa Abdulafeez and Emmanuel Ogbole respectively, to beef up their search for more goals, and to balance play.
Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo described the win as a big relieve to the team, especially at this crucial moment, adding that the team will still give it’s utmost best in the remaining two matches against both Lobi Stars in Lafia on Saturday, and the last match of the season against Heartland FC at home in Ilorin.
Even as he frowned at his team’s 2-0 lost to Kwara United, Coach Ahmed Yaro Yaro of Kano Pillars said that the focus of the team is absolutely on the Federation Cup. The team is presently in the semi-finals, and will play Abia Warriors at that stage.
Kwara United, with the win, are currently in the 11th position with 48 points.
