Kwara United’s 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign got off to a disappointing start as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger Tornadoes at the Kwara State Stadium Complex in Ilorin on Sunday evening, Owosports.com.ng reports.
The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute through Godstime Joseph’s strike, and Ibrahim Sabiu’s thunderous screamer in the 72nd minute doubled their advantage, putting them on course for all three points. Kwara United pushed hard for a comeback, but it wasn’t until the 90+2nd minute that they managed to score a consolation goal through Sodeeq Yusuf.
In his post-match interview, Kwara United’s technical adviser, Tunde Sanni, blamed their poor start for the defeat.
“We were not composed, and I don’t know what brought panic into our game today. It was a team-wide issue, not just one specific person. We weren’t coordinated until the second half, towards the end of the game. We have a lot to offer, but we didn’t start well.”
When asked about not starting with Ismail Gata, Sani explained.
“It’s not up to the spectators to decide who starts. We know our players’ capacities. Gata came in during the second half, but modern football is fast-paced, and speed is crucial. He has intelligence with the ball, but we didn’t start him due to the speed factor.”
The defeat is a setback for Kwara United, who will look to bounce back in their next fixture against El Kanemi Warriors in Gombe next weekend.
