2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 1: Coach Sanni explains reason for Kwara United home loss to Tornadoes

Posted : 09 September 2024

Kwara United coach Tunde Sanni provided insights into the factors that led to his team's disappointing home defeat to Niger Tornadoes during their 2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 1 clash. In what many saw as an unexpected result, the Harmony Boys fell 1-2 to their visitors at the Ilorin Township Stadium, despite showing promise in certain moments of the game.

Sanni pointed out that the primary issue his team faced was their lack of composure, particularly in the first half. The coach expressed concern over the team's inability to settle into their rhythm, which ultimately cost them control of the game early on. "We were not composed, and I don't know what caused the panic that crept into our game," Sanni lamented, highlighting the mental struggle the players encountered as they faced the pressure of their opening match.

The coach emphasized that this lack of composure was not isolated to a single player but was a team-wide problem that affected their performance. He explained that the entire squad struggled with coordination throughout the first half, and even as they improved in the second half, it was too late to change the outcome of the game. According to Sanni, the players only began to find their footing toward the end of the match, but by then, Niger Tornadoes had already established a lead.

Sanni admitted that while his side had created numerous chances, their poor start hampered their ability to capitalize on them. "We had a lot of chances, but we didn’t start well," he said, pointing to the disconnect between the opportunities created and the execution needed to convert them into goals. The Harmony Boys' struggles in front of the goal were evident, as they missed several key chances that could have turned the game in their favor.

Despite their improved performance in the second half, Kwara United's defense still allowed Niger Tornadoes to extend their lead, further complicating their comeback efforts. Sanni noted that while his team showed more cohesion as the game progressed, their slow start left them with too much ground to cover, and the visitors capitalized on that advantage.

The defeat was particularly frustrating for Kwara United, given that it came on home turf, where they had expected to start their season with a strong showing. Sanni expressed disappointment with the result, acknowledging that his players needed to overcome their mental challenges and improve their coordination moving forward. He remained hopeful that with better preparation and a stronger mindset, the team could bounce back in their next matches.

Sanni identified the need for his team to focus on starting games with more confidence and composure. He emphasized that overcoming these early mental hurdles would be critical to their success in the season ahead, as they aim to regain their form and fight for better results in the NPFL.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 1: Coach Sanni explains reason for Kwara United home loss to Tornadoes

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