Kwara United have parted ways with head coach Tunde Sanni following a string of disappointing results in both the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Harmony Boys suffered a 1–0 home defeat to Abia Warriors on Sunday in Ilorin — a result that came just days after the team was knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup by Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko, who triumphed 5–3 on aggregate.
The recent setbacks left the club’s management disillusioned, prompting swift action. Confirming the decision, Club Chairman Kumbi Titiloye revealed that Sanni had been asked to step aside as Technical Adviser with immediate effect.
“Following the disappointing home loss, Coach Tunde Sanni has been asked to step aside as Technical Adviser,” Titiloye stated. “Assistant Coach Ashifat Suleiman will now take charge of the team.”
According to the club, the decision came after a detailed review of the team’s recent performances, which have not lived up to expectations despite a promising start to the season.
Sunday’s defeat was particularly frustrating, with Sanni’s side dominating possession in the first half but failing to convert several chances. Abia Warriors clinched victory through a 48th-minute penalty by Emeka Obioma, awarded after a handball in the box.
Kwara United also disappointed on the continental front. After a narrow 4–3 loss to Asante Kotoko in the first leg in Accra, the team failed to overturn the deficit, falling 1–0 in the second leg played in Abeokuta. Sanni’s tactics came under scrutiny, especially his decision to bench Shola Abdulraheem — the forward who had scored in the first leg.
Despite expressing belief that the team could bounce back, Sanni ultimately paid the price for the team’s downturn in form.
Ashifat Suleiman now faces the immediate challenge of steadying the squad as they prepare to face Kano Pillars in a rescheduled NPFL matchday six fixture on Wednesday.
Kwara United currently sit 10th in the league table and will be hoping that the shake-up in the technical bench brings renewed energy to their campaign.
