We’re heading back on the road this weekend for our second away game in a row, this time facing Kwara United in Matchday 3 of the NPFL in Ilorin. While our home opener was rescheduled, we’ve had extra time to regroup and prepare for what promises to be another challenging fixture.

We’re still finding our feet in the NPFL, but our focus is clear, we’re going to fight for every point. This weekend is another opportunity to show what we’re made of, and get our first points of the season.

Team News

In team news, the only notable absence is Tony Obia, who recently left for a year-long spell in Northern Cyprus. With him out of the picture, the rest of the squad remains in excellent shape, free from injuries or fitness concerns.

Coach Bright now has the advantage of choosing from a fully fit squad, allowing him to approach the game in any style preferred by him for what promises to be a significant test this weekend.

Taking Lessons from Kano Pillars

Our NPFL debut two weeks ago against Kano Pillars may not have gone our way, but that 3-0 loss is far from the full story. It was a tough initiation, no doubt, but we showed plenty of spirit and gained valuable experience facing one of the league’s most seasoned teams.

Since then, we’ve been working hard in training, taking lessons from that game, and making sure we’re ready to respond positively as we move forward.

Facing Kwara United

Kwara United are no pushovers, especially on their home turf. Although they lost the MD 1 game against Niger Tornadoes there, they’ve got a solid squad and players like Ismailla Gata, Ifeanyi Ogba and the likes who can hurt teams if given space. We’re well aware of their strengths, but we’re also confident in our game plan.

Previous Encounters: A Chance for Redemption Against Kwara United

We last squared off against Kwara United in the 2022/23 Federation Cup Round of 32, a match that ended in a 3-1 defeat for us. Ayomide Cole, who netted our only goal, remains a key figure and one of six players from that encounter still with the squad. Alongside Cole are Austin Harrison, Waliu Ojetoye, Gidado Toyeeb, and Tosin Oyedokun, all of whom started that match, while goalkeeper Aina Oluwadamilare came on as a second-half substitute.

With these familiar faces set to feature once again, we now have a golden opportunity to settle old scores and claim a result on a bigger stage.

Familiar Territory: Our Positive Record at the Kwara Sports Complex

The Kwara Sports Complex has become a familiar venue for us, with the team enjoying some memorable moments there last season.

A 1-0 loss to Osun United in the NNL laid the foundation, but it was our dominant 3-0 triumph over Green Beret in the Federation Cup Round of 64 that truly stood out.

Tosin Oyedokun stole the show with a clinical brace, including a composed penalty, while captain Waliu Ojetoye added a third, courtesy of a sharp assist from Kelechi Onwe, who had earlier seen his own goal disallowed.

Building on these memorable performances, we will aim to tap into the positive momentum we have enjoyed at this familiar ground once again.

Prepared and Focused

We know back-to-back away games at the start of the season can be overwhelming especially for a new side like us, but we’ve embraced the challenge. The squad has worked tirelessly over the past two weeks, both mentally and physically and there’s a real belief that we can go out there and deliver.

Our preparations have been focused and intense and we’re determined to make every moment count this weekend.

Stay Connected

The match kicks off at 5:30 PM at the Kwara Sports Complex in Ilorin. Tune in to BetaSports CH 244 on Startimes for live TV coverage and stay connected with us on social media @IkoroduCityFC for up-to-the-minute updates throughout the game.