Kwara United Football Club will tomorrow, Sunday November 26th, 2023, square up against Gombe United in a Matchday 10 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
For the home team, its supposed to be a moment of consolidation, following the performance which earned them a point after playing out a two-all draw against Bendel Insurance in Benin, Edo state last Sunday.
Kwara United was about running away with the maximum points, after going ahead twice in the first half through Sadeeq Yusuf and Godwin Oshagbemi, but a last minute rally by Bendel Insurance ensured they shared the spoils with Kwara United.
But tomorrow, despite seeking consolidation, it’s a tie that Kwara United must take very serious, following the pedigree of the Northern side against Kwara United, anytime they play, especially with Kwara United playing host.
In the 2021/2022 season, it took a late minute rush which forced Gombe United to concede an own goal through Ebuka Anaekwe, and last season in Ibadan, they forced Kwara United to a goalless draw.
This is therefore, a fixture which Kwara United must approach with utmost caution, especially playing against a team which has a mesmerising midfield.
With Kwara United placed in the 15th position with 10 points from nine matches, they desperately needed to win this encounter convincingly, to underscore their seriousness to compete for honours this season.
Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo may stick with the squad that earned him a draw against Bendel Insurance last Sunday, but club’s highest goal scorer so far, Alao Mohammed has returned from injury, and may get a space in the starting line up.
Also in the midfield, Shola Abdulraheem, who dazzled against Insurance in Benin may retain his position, while another starter in the battle of Benin, Rahman Olarewaju may equally pair Ejeh Isaiah at the heart of the defence.
Coach Dogo has a couple of options upfront, with Sadeeq Yusuf, Samson Paul, Emmanuel Ogbole and surprise package, Ifeanyi Odinnega all in fine form, and ready to deliver the much anticipated result that will lift the team on the table.
The match is expected to commence by 4.00pm.
