A 37th minute goal, scored from a close range by Sodiq Yusuf ensured Kwara United Football Club secured maximum points against Heartland FC in their second game in the ongoing ValueJet pre-season tournament, at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, today August 5, 2023.
The win means the team now has four points, ahead of the last group game against Sporting Lagos, tomorrow at the same.venue, Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) returnees, Heartland FC started on a fine note, but their early efforts were all off target, as Kwara United rose gradually into the game, and pushing the Owerri based club to their half, as they get ocassional lifeline through counter attacks.
Attemps by Shola Abdulraheem, Sodiq Yusuf and Paul Samson were perfectly dealt with by Heartland shot stopper, but couldn’t have answer to the 37th minute strike by Sodiq Yusuf, which eventually determined the match.
Coach Christian Obi, whose team has lost two matches so far, said he is not bordered by the result, as he is using the competition to assess and prepare his team for the forthcoming NPFL.
Asked if he is under pressure ahead of the season, Coach Obi replied in affirmative.
“We are trying to blend the team ahead of the NPFL, and the process is on. Of course, we are under pressure, but I must say, that the pressure will also help us get to where we are aiming at.
Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo congratulated his team for the win, pointing out that the competition is preparatory platform for the forthcoming season, agreeing that the standard of the team is growing gradually.
“Our target is to build the confidence in the team, which, as you can see, is growing gradually with each match. We are in this competition to prepare for the 2023/2024 NPFL, but if we win the trophy, it will be a bonus.
