Kwara sack coach after NPFL, Confed Cup defeats News

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Kwara sack coach after NPFL, Confed Cup defeats

By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 6, 2025

Kwara United have parted ways with head coach Tunde Sanni following the team’s recent poor run of form, which saw them lose both in the Nigeria Premier Football League and the CAF Confederation Cup, The PUNCH reports.

The Harmony Boys suffered a 1–0 home defeat to Abia Warriors on Sunday in Ilorin, days after being knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup by Ghana’s Asante Kotoko on a 5–3 aggregate.

The results have left the club’s management frustrated, prompting immediate action.

Confirming the development, club chairman Kumbi Titiloye told the club’s media that Sanni had been asked to step aside as technical adviser.

He added that assistant coach Ashifat Suleiman would take charge of the team with immediate effect.

Titiloye explained that the decision was made after a thorough review of the team’s performances, which failed to meet expectations despite a strong start to the campaign.

“Following the disappointing home loss, Club Chairman Mr. Kumbi Titiloye confirmed to the club’s media that Coach Tunde Sanni has been asked to step aside as Technical Adviser,” the club statement reads.

“Assistant Coach Ashifat Suleiman will take charge of the team with immediate effect.”

Following Sunday’s loss in Ilorin, Sanni expressed disappointment but insisted the team would recover.

The coach had watched his side dominate possession in the first half but fail to convert key chances, with Abia Warriors eventually sealing victory through Emeka Obioma’s 48th-minute penalty after a handball in the box.

The result continued a frustrating run for the Ilorin-based club, who also faltered on the continental stage.

Kwara United’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign ended prematurely after a 1–0 second-leg defeat to Asante Kotoko in Abeokuta, having earlier lost 4–3 in Accra.

ACLSports pointed to tactical shortcomings and poor preparation as the key reasons behind their continental exit. The team struggled to impose a clear game plan, often appearing disorganised in both attack and defence. Their slow transitions and wastefulness in front of goal were also heavily criticised.

Despite acknowledging how “lucky” the Ghanaians were in the first leg, Sanni was also accused of failing to make the right tactical adjustments ahead of the return match.

The decision to bench forward Shola Abdulraheem, who scored in Accra, also raised questions about the coach’s selections.

With Sanni’s departure confirmed, Suleiman’s immediate task will be to stabilise the team’s form as they prepare to face Kano Pillars in their rescheduled NPFL matchday six fixture on Wednesday.

Kwara United currently sit 10th on the league table and will hope the change in technical leadership brings renewed momentum to their campaign.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 6, 2025