The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kwara Utd

  • ‘Kwara Utd will bounce back’

    ‘Kwara Utd will bounce back’

    The Kwara State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hajia Ramat Abaya, has assured the people of the state that their darling team will bounce back sooner than expected.

    Hajia Abaya said in Ilorin on Wednesday that it is sad to see at the end of the season a team that was contesting for the title relegated.

    She thanked Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for the support given to the team and those that supported the team during the out gone season.

    She disclosed that plans are already in place to return the team back to the Glo Premier League next season and also called on the supporters and fans of the club to learn from what happened to the club this term.

    She noted that there are plans to embark on educating fans of the club, especially to let them know the game is either win or lose.

    Abaya called on the fans not to be allowed to be used to foment trouble during matches and after.

    She disclosed further that the government is ready to retain the technical crew of the team if they are ready to stay and added that she will do all she can to convince them to stay at the club.

    Abaya also said that a large part of the players will be retained in a bid to gain and ensure quick promotion to the country’s elite division.

    It would be recalled that Kwara United until the week 29 was in contention for the league title before their fans attacked an official in a game involving the club and Warri Wolves in Ilorin in August.

    The League Management Company (LMC) had ruled that the match be replayed in Ilorin, a decision Warri Wolves challenged before the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ordinary and Disciplinary Committee (O&D) waded in.

    The O&D upheld the LMC judgment but ordered the match be replayed in Abuja which informed Warri Wolves taking the case before the NFF Appeal Committee which ruled in favour of Warri Wolves giving them 3 points 3 goals despite the earlier decision not to award any board points.

    Akwa Utd held Kwara Utd 1-1 in the last week of the season to send the Afonja Warriors to relegation on the last day in Lokoja on Sunday.

    The Afonja Warriors finished 17th on the log with 50 points from 38 games to confirm their relegation.

  • Kwara Utd aim at maximum points against Wikki

    Kwara Utd aim at maximum points against Wikki

    Kwara United have vowed to take maximum points in their home game to Wikki Tourists today in the matchday 36 Glo Premier League tie at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja.

    The Afonja Warriors lost three points and three goals to Warri Wolves in a landmark ruling after the NFF’s Appeals Committee ruled their league tie against the Seasiders in favour of their opponents.

    They were also initially banished to Abuja but the NFF’s Emergency Committee which sat in Abuja on Thursday listened to the pleas of Kwara United and only ordered them to play their last two home games of the season at next door neighbours, Lokoja.

    Ahead of the tie, Kwara United’s head coach, Samson Unuanel has expressed the resolve of his players to beat visiting Wikki Tourists in the crucial league match.

    He rued some key decisions that went against his team but stated that the Ilorin side would learn from the mistakes made in the ongoing season ahead of the forthcoming seasons.

    “We will be ready as usual to beat Wikki just like we have done to other clubs that have visited us. We are not going to be deterred with the fact that we are playing away from Ilorin. We shall do our best to scoop all points,” Unuanel assured.

    Kwara United are 11th with 48 points from 35 matches while their foes, Wikki are 18th with 45 points from same number of matches.

  • Kwara United to LMC, NFF: Don’t allow W/Wolves to bring the league to disrepute

    Kwara United to LMC, NFF: Don’t allow W/Wolves to bring the league to disrepute

    The management of Kwara United FC of Ilorin, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the League Management Company (LMC) not to allow Warri Wolves to bring Nigeria football and the league to disrepute.

    The management was reacting to the Warri Wolves appeal against NFF Organising and Disciplinary (O&D) judgment which ordered the replay of the botched week 29 encounter played at the Kwara State Stadium Complex on Saturday, August 30th in Ilorin.

    A statement from the Afonja Warriors camp expressed concern why Warri Wolves are crying foul over the NFF O&D verdicts.

    The statement noted that no Warri Wolves players or official was attacked in the incident and that they refused to continue play after the match commissioner had ordered that the match be continued.

    The statement added that if Warri Wolves refused to resume play as ordered by the match commissioner that day sighting security reasons the match has been rescheduled for a more secured venue which is most appropriate, hence no reason for Warri Wolves to complain again.

    The statement also expressed disappointment over the comments of the Vice Chairman of O&D Iyke Igbokwue faulting a judgment he was part of.

    The NFF O&D Vice chairman had gone on a Channelstv Sports programme ”SPORT TONIGHT” on Friday condemning his committee’s position over the Kwara United vs Warri Wolves week 29 abandoned Globacom Premier League match.

    The management expressed the belief that involvement of such persons in the running of football in Nigeria will continue to cause confusion among Nigerians and may bring the game to disrepute if he is not called to order.

    The management again expressed confidence on the LMC and NFF programmes and commended the LMC for what it has done to the Nigeria league of recent signing the 34 million dollars Supersport deal as one of the best event to have happened to football in Nigeria.

  • Kwara Utd accept O&D’s decision

    Kwara Utd accept O&D’s decision

    • Want 3 points, 3 goals

    The management of Kwara United Fc of Ilorin have accepted the verdicts of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Organizsing and Disciplinary committee (O&D), even though the club has its reservation over the judgment.

    Media Officer of the Afonja Warriors, Olayinka Owolewa, informed SportingLife that the club accepted the O&D judgment with respect to the NFF as the highest football decision making body in the country.

    ”As a law abiding club, we have accepted the NFF’s decision over our abandoned week 28 Globacom Premier League match with Warri Wolves and we will honour the match in Abuja on Sunday as directed by the O&D”, he said.

    Owolewa said the club frowned at the O&D decision that Warri Wolves will pay a fine of N3million for failing to continue the match as directed by the match commissioner and not 3 points 3 goals to Kwara United as stipulated by article 4.2 (2) and 4.2 (5).

    “We call on both the LMC and the NFF to closely monitor the activities of Warri Wolves as they remain the only club with allegations of match officials being beaten in their away matches.

    “We are however confident in the Aminu Maigari NFF led administration to take football administration in the country to an enviable height.”

    Owolewa then called for continued support for the Samson Unuanel tutored team among soccer loving Kwarans to make one of the traditional clubs in Nigeria among the best in the country.

     

  • KWARA UTD 1-0 ENUGU RANGERS

    KWARA UTD 1-0 ENUGU RANGERS

    Kwara United’s helmsman, Samson Unuanel has hailed the Afonja Warriors’ latest home win over Enugu Rangers in a match day 25 tie played at the Kwara State Stadium yesterday.

    Stanley Dimgba converted a penalty that sealed all points for the home team to the angst of the away team.

    The Ilorin based club moved to third on the log with 41 points from 25 games after securing their second straight victory in two games.

    Unuanel explained to SportingLife that the win came at the right time and that he still has a lot of work to do to tell his wards not to allow their impressive results of recent to get into their heads as they approach the crucial stages of the season.

    Meanwhile , Enugu Rangers have termed the centre referee that officiated their matchday 25 tie with Kwara United as a killjoy after they alleged he concocted a penalty kick that never existed to aid the home team to victory.

    In a text message sent to SportingLife, Enugu Rangers Director of Media and Publicity, Foster Chime said it was the match officials that punctured their dream of leaving Ilorin with at least a point.

    It was also similar report in Bauchi, where 3SC alleged that the centre referee, Garuba Hamsa from Kano turned a spoiler and overruled Ighodaro Osagona’s 90th minute goal to deny the Oluyole Warriors a valuable point against Wikki Tourists.

    The goal had come off a free kick taken by Femi Oladapo just outside the box thus making the scoreline to end 2-1 in favour of the home team.

    Solomon Jabason and Alaba Sakin had put the Bauchi side ahead in twice in the 4th and 8th minutes before Taofeek Adepoju pulled a goal back in the 43rd minute in a game 3SC alleged was watched by appreciable crowd despite the behind the closed doors order by the LMC.

  • Kwara Utd is my priority

    3SC failed target Kazeem Yekeen is happy to see the end of the transfer window as it has made his relevance to Kwara United clearer.

    The young shot stopper was impressive for the Afonja Warriors during the first stanza of the 2012/2013 Globacom Premier League and the Oluyole Warriors allegedly made him their transfer target during the mid-season. A deal could however not be reached by both clubs.

    Yekeen told SportingLife that he was always committed to the cause of Kwara United and he never allowed the rumour about his future to distract him from his obligation to the Ilorin side.

    He thanked the Ilorin supporters and fans for always standing by him and said he would strive to continue to reciprocate their gesture with inspiring performance whenever fielded to represent the club.

    “I am happy that the transfer window has been shut and I can now concentrate on the league and Kwara United.

    “There were so many things that were said during the transfer window but I am glad everything has ended now.

    “My priority now is to assist Kwara United to win the league. We have the players to do it and a very rich in experience technical crew led by coach Samson Unuanel and his assistant coaches.

    “I am always willing and ready to work,” the former Flying Eagles goalkeeper to Colombia 2011 FIFA Under 20 World Cup told SportingLife.

  • Olayioye: 3SC fans attacked Kwara Utd, match officials

    Olayioye: 3SC fans attacked Kwara Utd, match officials

    Irked by Wednesday’s result of the league game between Shooting Stars Sports Club, (3SC) of Ibadan and Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin which ended one goal apiece, irate 3SC fans allegedly descended on the match officials, Kwara United supporters, players and officials pelting them with missiles.

    According to a press statement by Kwara United’s Media Officer, Olayioye Ajide, Kwara United supporters, players and officials, caught unawares after the gritty encounter, ran helter-skelter seeking for cover as 3SC fans vented their spleen on them.

    Ajide alleged that Abdullahi Muritala, the cameraman of Kwara United, was badly beaten and his camera was snatched. The drum set used by the away team’s supporters was also damaged. Supporters were tortured as many were hit by objects flung at them.

    The statement further said that center referee Cristansus Okoro from Imo State had to take off his dress on the field and his uniform and other items were picked up by Kwara United officials. His first and second assistants Anthony Uzonna and Andy Ubani were rescued from the hands of the mob.

    The show of shame was also extended to the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan a league match commissioner. He attempted to placate them but was also attacked.

    The 3SC fans claimed the center referee denied them goals during the game which give the advantage to the visitors. This was the reason for their violence.

    Kwara United scored in the 44th minute of the first half via a free kick by Dare Ojo but 3SC levelled up in the 66th minute through Adepoju Taofeek who headed in a cross in the vital area.

    Kwara United got four yellow cards and Dare Ojo sent off, even as 3SC won more than 10 free kicks around the arch in a match played in the rain.

    “It is highly disappointing that a traditional club like 3SC which has followers across the country could throw caution into the winds and display no decorum in their conduct.

    “What lesson are they teaching others? The Nigeria Professional Football League Board should rise to the occasion because the second and crucial stanza of the league has just started.

    “It is psychologically depressing going through such in the Nigerian league,” Olayioye sounded.

    Olayioye assured Nigerians that Kwara United would hold no grudge against them but that the NPFL should bring the culprits to book and retrieve Kwara United’s lost items.

  • Kwara Utd’s performance excites Yahaya

    Kwara Utd’s performance excites Yahaya

    Nigeria Professional Football League man of the moment, Kwara United’s Yahaya Adamu has stressed that the sky would be his starting point as he seeks to notch more important goals for Kwara United in the current season.

    Yahaya previously played for Rising Stars and Sunshine Stars but left the latter during the first transfer session of the season at Week 9 after finding playing time difficult, but after five games for the Afonja Warriors the former Flying Eagles player has plundered home four goals.

    In an interview with Goal, Yahaya said he has no hidden secrets behind his success story in Ilorin but admitted he has improved considerably than while he was with his last two clubs because of his improved work rate.

    Yahaya noted that he has never sought personal glory and that the noise which his form has generated in the media will only spur him on to ensure that Kwara United sustain their present momentum throughout the season.

    He saluted the courage of head coach Samson Unuanel for risking his purchase despite not playing regularly for Sunshine Stars and he promised to repay the trust by banging in more crucial goals till the Afonja Warriors win the league for the first time in their history.

    “I am elated with my form but I can never be carried away. I have played 5 games and have scored four goals. It is not my making. I will say I was just favoured to be where I am presently.

    “I have taken my removal from the U-20 national team as an act of God which cannot be questioned, but I have my career now to focus on so as to get to my other targets. Kwara United are doing well; it is not just because of my performance, it is a collective effort right from the coaches to the players.

    “Kwara United are yet to get to their desired heights and with a good coach like coach Samson Unuanel, his assistants and we the players; we shall get there in due course,” Yahaya told Goal.com.

    Kwara United are presently third by goals difference to second place Heartland of Owerri on the log of the NPFL with 25 points from 15 games and they have a date with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi next Wednesday in a Week 16 tie.

  • Kwara Utd thump Nembe City

    Kwara United on Wednesday April 24 2013 improved on their standings on the Nigeria Professional Football League table after cruising to a 2-0 win over visiting Nembe City.

    Kabiru Sanusi and Najeem Olukokun were the goal scorers for the Afonja Warriors who now have 12 points from 8 games and have now overtaken their opponents Nembe City who stay on 11 points after Wednesday’s defeat.

    The win at the Ilorin Township stadium will bring some relief for Coach Samson Unamel as his side had before today gone three matches without a win.

    The last victory for Kwara United before today was their 1-0 defeat of Heartland FC of Owerri.

  • Kwara Utd suspend Obadaki

    Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Kwara United have angrily handed a month suspension to defender Halilu Obadaki, supersport.com can report.

    Obadaki was sent off on Wednesday in Kwara United’s Matchday 2 duel against visiting Sunshine Stars after a revolting tackle on Ajani Ibrahim.

    In fact, the Akure Gunners’ attacking midfielder could have been killed as he was badly hit by Obadaki in the 90th minute. The encounter, however, ended one apiece at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

    Obadaki has also been ordered by the Afonja Warriors to write a letter of apology to Ibrahim with immediate effect as he will also not be paid until after his suspension.

    While speaking to supersport.com, Kwara United gaffer, Samson Unuanel revealed that what Obadaki, 19, did was totally “unacceptable in football.”

    “What my player did was the worst tackle I have ever seen in my life as far as my coaching career is concerned. I would never embrace indiscipline and he must serve his punishment,” he said to supersport.com in vexation.

    Responding to supersport.com on the suspension, Obadaki accepted his punishment in good faith.

    “I know what I did was bad, as I was upset and wanted my team to score the winning goal before he (Ibrahim) killed my move which pained me. I am very sorry to him and Sunshine Stars,” he said to supersport.com in remorse.

    Meanwhile, Solomon Yahaya has been given the nod to replace suspended Obadaki. Obadaki is now expected to watch Kwara United next five games from the stands.

    The matches are Sharks (away), Heartland (home), Enugu Rangers (away), Nasarawa United (home) and Enyimba (away).