Kwara United Football Club today, May 10, 2023 defeated Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Ikorodu City 3-1, at the Osogbo Township Stadium to advance to the Round of 16 of this year’s Federation Cup competition.
Jimoh Ahmed scored the opening goal in the 19th minute, and Samad Kadri added the second in the 26th minute, as Kwara United underscores their seriousness to go beyond this round in the Premier Cup competition introduced in 1945, as Governor’s Cup.
Ikorodu City bounced back into the game with a goal in the 59th minute, and that gave them additional strength and confidence, as they went in search of the equalizer.
Samad Kadir, however, put the game beyond Ikorodu City with a blinder in the 71st minute, his second in the match, to finally ensured Kwara United zoomed into the Round of 16, where they are expected to play NPFL counterparts, Nasarawa United, who also defeated DMD FC 3-2 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.
In the bid to change the rhythm of the game, Kwara United introduced Ayobami Junior for Jimoh Ahmed in the 46th minute. They also brought in Godwin Oshagbemi for Ibrahim Yahaya in the 53rd minute.
Bright Etaghara and Paul Samson also came in for Issa Gata and injured Ayobami Junior, respectively, in the 74th minute.
Kwara United handler Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo, who expressed delight with the win, praised his team, which he says, is improving with every game played, pointing out that virtually all the players are being given the chance to prove themselves.
Coach Dogo said that Kwara United is planning to re-write history in the state by winning the Federation Cup, adding that the team has the wherewithal to do so, with the support of all, as well as fair officiating.
