Kwara United have asked their Technical Adviser, Coach Tunde Sanni, to step aside following the team’s 1–0 home defeat to Abia Warriors in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 7 clash on Sunday at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
The Harmony Boys began the game brightly, dominating possession in the first half but failing to make their chances count.
Junior Aimufua and Adeshina Gata showed flashes of brilliance, troubling the Abia Warriors’ defence on several occasions, but their efforts yielded no goal.
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The visitors, however, capitalised on a defensive error early in the second half when a Kwara United defender handled the ball in the penalty area.
The referee awarded a penalty, which Emeka Obioma calmly converted in the 48th minute to give Abia Warriors the lead.
Despite making tactical adjustments and mounting late pressure, Kwara United could not find an equaliser as Abia Warriors held firm to secure a rare away victory in Ilorin.
Reacting after the match, Coach Tunde Sanni expressed disappointment over the result but assured supporters that the team would regroup and come back stronger.
The club currently sit 10th on the NPFL table after six games and are scheduled to face Kano Pillars on Wednesday in an outstanding Matchday 6 fixture.
Meanwhile, the Club Chairman, Mr. Kumbi Titiloye, confirmed after the match that Coach Sanni has been directed to step aside as Technical Adviser.
Assistant Coach, Ashifat Sulaiman, popularly known as Brazil, will now take charge of the team with immediate effect.
Sulaiman, who was reappointed as Chief Coach on August 31, 2024, has been part of the team’s technical setup and will lead the Harmony Boys as they continue their campaign in the ongoing season.
Daily Trust reports that Kwara United was eliminated from the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup at the preliminary stage against expectations.
The Nigerian side suffered a 1–0 home defeat to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State, crashing out with a 3–5 aggregate loss.
Needing a win to advance, the Harmony Boys controlled large portions of the match but were undone by a 53rd-minute goal from Hubert Gyalu, whose clinical finish sealed their exit from the competition.
In a statement after the encounter, Club Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, expressed deep regret over the early exit, describing it as painful and disappointing.
He apologised to fans, supporters, and stakeholders, while reaffirming the club’s commitment to rebuild and return to continental football with greater determination.
Titiloye said, “The dream didn’t end here. We are hurting just like our fans, but this setback will only fuel our resolve.”
