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Tag: Kwara Utd

  • Gold Cup: Sunshine Stars set up Kwara Utd final tie

    Sunshine Stars will battle Kwara United in the final of the 2018 edition of Gold Cup Preseason Tourney at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure on Saturday.
    Goalkeeper Ayo Ojo stole the evening after he stopped two penalties as the Owena Waves beat Remo Stars 3-2 on penalties after they played 1-1 in regulation time in the semi final clash on Thursday.

    Read also: Gold Cup: Kwara Utd beats Cynosure to secure final ticket

    Midfielder Omaka Anthony gave the Kabiru Dogo side the lead in the 9th minute with a fabulous free kick from 25yards.
    Remo Stars responded well after the goal, dominating with impressive counter play.
    Their efforts were then rewarded eleven minutes later as Edoka Owochio scored from a goal mouth scramble in the 20th minute to equalize for his team.
    The game was then forced to penalties after the game ended 1-1.
    Ayo Ojo proved why Dogo introduced him in added time as he saved the first and forth penalty kick taken by Remo Stars.

  • Gold Cup: Kwara Utd beats Cynosure to secure final ticket

    Kwara United of Ilorin have qualified for the final of the Gold Cup Tourney as they beat Cynosure FC of Abakaliki 4-2 on penalties at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
    The encounter had ended 1-1 on regulation time, as Kwara United got to the finals going unbeaten after five matches.
    Odeyemi Ebenezer of Kwara United who was unmarked in Cynosure box, scored the first goal of the game in the 61st minute with a diving header.
    As the game near the last quarter of an hour, Cynosure FC got a lifeline as they were awarded a penalty after Ogar David was hacked down in the Kwara United box.
    Anyanwu Dabarachi made no mistake as he converted from the spot to put result at 1-1.
    Cynosure FC should have won the game late but Ogar nod from a cross went inches away from the goal post.
    In the shoot out, the team from Abakaliki will rue the evening after two of their players missed theirs.
    The Harmony Boys will lock horns against the winner from Thursday’s semi-final tie between Sunshine and Remo Stars.

  • Gold Cup: Kwara Utd, Remo Stars win, Lobi Stars lose

    Nigeria’s representative in the CAF Champions League, Lobi Stars of Makurdi recorded its first defeat at the ongoing Gold Cup Tourney by losing  1-0 to ‘Giant-killers’ Cynosure FC at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure on Friday.
    Lobi Stars who had defeated FC Ebedei 1-0 in its opening game on Thursday, bowed to Cynosure, no thanks to a 20 yard superb strike by Saviour Francis in the 55th minute.
    A brace by Segun Alebiosu and a goal by Ebenezer Odeyemi ensured that Kwara United began their campaign on a winning note by beating Almar FC 2-1 in the other encounter earlier in the game.

    Alebiosu opened his goal account in the 12th minute of the encounter. The potent striker had connected well with Owoansaya’s assist, rounded the goalkeeper and buried the ball in back of the net.

    Odeyemi then doubled the lead eight minutes later after being set up by Alebiosu. Valentine Nwabili pulled one back for Almar FC in the 43rd minute before Alebiosu made it three with a powerful strike after receiving a lovely pass from

    Samsudeen Hashimu.

    Remo Stars defeated Phoenix ACF with two first half goals scored by Kingsley Akemini and Adebogun Omotayo.
    It took The Sky Blues Stars 16 minutes to record the first goal of the game after Akemini received a brilliant pass from Bolaji Michael to put the ball past Phoenix ACF goalkeeper.
    MFM FC were however held to a goalless draw by FC Ebedei in the last game of the day.
  • Relegation: Kwara Utd thanks, apologizes to fans

    Relegation: Kwara Utd thanks, apologizes to fans

    • Vows to bounce back 

    Management of Relegated Kwara United FC of Ilorin has thanked fans of the team for their support during the season even as it described the eventual outcome as disappointing and unfortunate.

    General Manager of the team, Alhaji Haruna Maigidansanma, in a statement on Monday in Ilorin said hard lessons have been learnt from the unpalatable outcome adding that everything will be done to ensure that Afonja Warriors return to the elite division where they rightly belong.

    He thanked Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed for believing in the team despite the team’s inability to achieve its originally set goal, that of finishing atop the league table and earning continental ticket.

    “We have learnt our lessons and we will amend where necessary. “We did not plan to be where we are today but we can always bounce back” he said.

    Maigidansanma called on Kwarans not to despair but keep their loyalty intact for the club.  If there is one thing the Afonja Warriors have in abundance according to him, it is fighting spirit which failed to click this time. “Definitely Kwara United will return with a bang. We still have our fighting spirit intact and we are optimistic it will fast track our return,” he enthused

  • Kwara Utd clears salary arrears

    Kwara Utd clears salary arrears

    • Challenges players on league status

    The Kwara State Government has cleared the three months salary arrears of the players of Kwara United FC of Ilorin.

    A statement signed by the General Manager of the club, Alhaji Haruna Maigidansanma, on Thursday confirmed the payment.

    Maigidansanma in the statement commended the state government for its quick response to the yearnings of the team.

    He urged the players to respond to the government’s kind gesture despite the financial situation of the state to win the remaining league games to ensure that the club retain its Premier league status.

    The Kwara United manager also called on stakeholders, supporters and fans of the club to support the team with prayers in order to scale through the difficult period of the season.

    He appealed to the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, to fast track the procedures that will ensure the payment of the team’s sign-on fees.

    “This payment to us is huge, we had owned the salaries because of the financial situation in the country.

    “But the governor, who is an Advocate of youth empowerment, is aware of the need to make the players happy at this point of the season”

    “We hope to reciprocate the gesture by maintaining our league status”

    “We will further motivate the boys in order to give their best to end the season well because we are determined to conclude the season on a fine note” the statement said.

    The Kwara United boss challenged the technical crew to rise to the occasion and put in 100 percent effort to finish well.

     

  • Kwara Utd commiserates with Fakayode family

    Kwara Utd commiserates with Fakayode family

    The management of Kwara United FC of Ilorin has commiserated with the family of a former Chairman of the club, Prince Aranloye Fakayode, whodied late evening on Monday, Sept. 7. He was 68.

    The club in a statement on Tuesday, signed by the secretary, Elder Dele Oguntokun described Aranloye, as a hard working sportsman who contributed immensely to the team while serving as the Chairman.

    The statement also described the seasoned match commissioner as an industrious man who worked tirelessly for the uplift and progress of the round leather game in Kwara and Nigeria in general.

    Late Fakayode worked with the Federal Ministry of Labour, Federal Pay Office and as Internal Auditor, Police Affairs before he retired in 2002.

    He was appointed Chairman of Kwara United in 2004, and held the position for two seasons.

    The late Prince, who hailed from Okesan Compound, Ile Oba Ilufemiloye in Arandun was the first and only non indigene so far, to serve as the Chairman of Ilorin Emirate Football Association (IEFA), and was the sole sponsor of the famous Amuedewe youth football competition in Kwara state.

    “We have lost one of our own at a time the state and the country need him most.

    “He is one of the few people who will always offer support to the club at all times.

    “We prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” the statement said.

    Meanwhile, players and officials of the club have visited the bereaved family on Tuesday to commiserate with them where they offered prayers.

    The club immediately suspended its training when the news broke out to them and a minute silence was offered at the training before players and officials left for his home in Ilorin.

    Late Fakayode is survived by his wife, five children and grand children.

  • Abdulrahman frowns at condition for Kwara Utd return

    Abdulrahman frowns at condition for Kwara Utd return

    Kwara United head coach, Tunde Abdulrahman has called on the management of the Harmony Warriors to review the condition stipulated in the letter indicating his suspension has been lifted which says he must win their next two away matches against Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars to keep his job.

    Abdulrahman told SportingLife that the conditions attached to his return stated in paragraph 3 of the letter sent to him and dated

    August 19, 2015 is not only demeaning to the football profession but also an affront on the contractual agreement he has with Kwara United.

    The former Kano Pillars and FC Taraba head coach told SportingLife that he would be willing to return to his duty post  today but that he does not accept that condition as expressed in the letter where his suspension was lifted.

    Abdulrahman said some issues must have to be ironed out before the club start given ultimatum when the factors responsible for his suspension has not been sorted till now.

    He told SportingLife:” I wish to clearly state that I am totally committed to returning to my duty post ‘immediately’ as directed by

    you. However, the conditions attached in paragraph 3 of your letter wherein I am expected to miraculously win two (away) matches by all means as security for my job, is not only demeaning to the football profession but also an affront on the spirit and letters of my contractual agreement with Kwara United FC and therefore not acceptable.

    “I must reiterate that football results are a reflection of a multifarious inputs from management and other critical stakeholders to assist the coach. It is blatant deviation from this that has been the basis of my complaints since assuming duty. It is against this backdrop that I will like to state that the interest of the team will be better served and my reinstatement will not be deemed a dangerous ambush to tarnish my professional reputation.”

    He further gave conditions for things to work very well in the club:”

    Guaranteeing my personal security and those of the players and match officials is key. I should be given freehand to professionally review activities of the team within the period I was away from the team with a view to suggesting measures for improvement. I will also like a meeting of all stakeholders be conveyed to trash out various issues ranging from internal bickering, accusations, reservations, complaints and counter accusations which was responsible for my initial suspension.”

    SportingLife recalls that Kwara United management under General Manager, Haruna Maigidansanma indefinitely suspended Abdulrahman on July 13, 2015 before the suspension was lifted on August 19,2015.

  • Kwara Utd in Ijebu Ode for resumption

    Kwara Utd in Ijebu Ode for resumption

    Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) comeback team, Kwara United, are currently in Ijebu Ode preparing for the resumption of NPFL week four matches which has been scheduled for  April 19.

    The Harmony Warriors left their base in Ilorin on Sunday for Dipo Dina Stadium, in Ijebu Ode, which has been a choice venue for teams to prepare ahead of the season. Kwara United are yet to lose a match after three weeks of NPFL football, the Ilorin based team picked a point against Dolphins, recorded a win at home against El-Kanemi Warriors and an impressive draw in Bauchi against Wikki Tourist.

    As part of their preparations at Ijebu Ode, Kwara United will play two test games this morning and evening with teams that were named yesterday.

    According to Kwara United defender Isiaka Oladuntoye, in a chat with SL10.ng, the expectation in camp is high and preparations have been going on fine.

    “We arrived here on Sunday and so far preparation in camp has been going on well. We are preparing ahead of the resumption of the NPFL and we hope to make the most of the opportunities we’ve got. The expectation in camp is very high and we shall host Heartland on Sunday and then hit the road to visit Ibadan in week five. We hope to pick maximum points to continue our good run,” Isiaka told SL10.ng.

    The Harmony Warriors are expected to leave Ijebu Ode on Friday for their NPFL week four match against Heartland FC of Owerri at Ilorin.

  • Utum: FA Cup loss to Kwara Utd a lesson

    Utum: FA Cup loss to Kwara Utd a lesson

    Kwara Football Academy goalkeeper Solomon Godswill Utum has described his side’s defeat to Kwara United FC in the Kwara State FA Cup Final as unfortunate and a lesson to prepare them ahead for the Federation Cup.

    It was a nerve wrecking display from the academy boys against the Nigeria Professional Football League side in Saturday’s final where KFA almost acted like David to kill the Goliath of the Harmony Warriors and eventually lost 2-4 in penalty shootouts after both sides played two-all in the normal duration time.

    Utum who is known as Cech made series of saves as he made sure KFA pushed the game to the end until it was decided by shootouts.

    While describing the loss as painful, Utum noted that the defeat would make his team get even better when they face bigger challenges in the national finals.

    “It was quite disheartening losing in the finals, we fought very hard but we are so unfortunate, I want to thank God Almighty for giving us the grace to go so far and for the injury free game,” Utum told SL10.

    “Our target was to replicate what our predecessors did in 2011, we tried our best but we lost gallantly to a more experienced side, you can see that we fought from the beginning of the match to the end but they’ve been destined to be the champion.

    “We are not pessimistic because what makes a man is the ability to rise when he falls, we’ve learned  from our mistakes and we are optimistic that things will get more better, I believe that our tremendous and outstanding performance during this FA Cup would motivate us to perform well when the Federation Cup commences.

    “Our success story isn’t complete without recognising the efforts and professionalism of our coaches, the constructive and positive criticism of KFA Sole Administrator, (Mutiu Adepoju), my teammates and my guardian, Mr Shogo Shodunnke, who spotted me and identified my talents and all our indispensable and ever-loving fans who have been supporting and showing us loving from the beginning of the campaign to the end,” he concluded.

    The Cross River-born safe hand however said he would use the Federation Cup to herald himself to the world as Nigeria’s and world’s best number one.

  • Onigbari happy with Kwara Utd form

    Onigbari happy with Kwara Utd form

    Kwara United defender, Akeem Onigbari has expressed satisfaction with his team’s impressive start this term in the Glo Premier League.

    United, who returned this season to Nigeria’s top flight, have been in scintillating form this season as they have not lost in their first three games.

    The Harmony Boys began their campaign with an away draw at Dolphins in Port Harcourt, United should have won the tie, but their strikers were wasteful in the encounter.

    Kwara United then recorded a 1-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in their second duel of the season before getting another away draw at Wikki Tourists last weekend.

    Onigbari, who has been awesome at the heart of defence for United, expressed happiness with the results Kwara United have notched up so far in the Glo Premier League.

    “We have started well, and I hope we would end up well by the grace of God because we have a target this season.

    “We should have won our first game at Dolphins, but I would not want to blame any of my teammates because we win as a team, and we lose or draw as a team.

    “I am happy with our current form this season, and we would surely continue to make our fans happy,” Onigbari said to supersport.com in Ilorin.

    The former ABS man also revealed that United’s target this season is to get a continental ticket.

    “We have set a target for ourselves, and the target is to play in either the CAF Champions League or CAF Confederation Cup next season,” Onigbari added.

    Kwara United’s next duel in the Glo Premier League will be at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin against Heartland.