2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 36: Kwara United FC Coach Dogo describes emphatic win over Kano Pillars as big relief

Posted : 13 June 2024

You can now watch all NPFL matches Live: https://www.africasport.net/npfl/home/

Kwara United Football Club Coach, Kabiru Dogo, has described the much-needed victory over visiting Kano Pillars FC as a big relief for the club, given their recent battles against relegation in fixtures.

Recall that the Afonja Warriors 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 in Ilorin.

The crucial encounter brought out the best in the home side, dictating the pace from the blast of the whistle, a performance that highlighted their understanding of their position in 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, secured the maximum points for Kwara United, finally easing relegation worries.

The early onslaught on Pillars' defense 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, neutralizing the influence of veteran Rabiu Ali in midfield.

Rabiu Ali was later substituted, receiving huge ovations from fans for his tremendous influence on the game and the Nigerian league itself.

Kwara United made an early substitution in the second half, introducing Rahman Olarenwaju in place of the seemingly uncoordinated Jimoh Gbadamosi to strengthen the defense.

A good tactical display by Alao Mohammad and Issa Gata freed Alalade Wasiu in the 56th minute, but he was fouled by goalkeeper Idris Ibrahim inside Pillars' box. Ejeh Isaiah converted the resultant penalty kick to make it two for the home team.

In the 62nd minute, Kwara United brought in Shola Abdulraheem and Garba Abubakar for Gata and Dehinde, and later introduced Kabir Balogun and Oshagbemi Godwin for Musa Abdulafeez and Emmanuel Ogbole, respectively, to bolster their search for more goals and balance the play.

Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo described the win as a huge relief for the team, especially at this crucial moment, adding that the team will continue to give its utmost best in the remaining two matches against Lobi Stars in Lafia on Saturday and the final match of the season against Heartland FC at home in Ilorin.

Despite frowning at his team's 2-0 loss to Kwara United, Coach Ahmed Yaro Yaro of Kano Pillars stated that the team's focus is entirely on the Federation Cup. The team is currently in the semi-finals and will face Abia Warriors at that stage.

With the win, Kwara United is currently in the 11th position with 48 points.

2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 36: Kwara United FC Coach Dogo describes emphatic win over Kano Pillars as big relief

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics