The Harmony Boys travel to the league leaders after a home defeat to Bendel Insurance, and coach Ashifat Suleiman must reshuffle his midfield.
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Kwara United have lost key midfielder Issa Gata ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 12 game against Enugu Rangers. The match kicks off at 4pm on Sunday, November 8, at the Awka Township Stadium.
Gata picked up a knock during a training session and was left out of the squad that travelled for the game. His absence is a significant setback for the Ilorin-based side, who need results quickly.
The Harmony Boys are keen to get their campaign back on track after a disappointing home defeat to Bendel Insurance last weekend. They lost 2-1 on November 1, after Gideon Stephen had given them the lead in the 49th minute and Bendel scored twice in the following six minutes.
Kwara currently sit 16th in the NPFL table with 12 points from their first 11 matches. That leaves them close to the relegation zone, so every point is vital.
Head coach Ashifat Suleiman now has to reshuffle his engine room. He will need to look at the options in the squad to find a replacement who can handle the physical demands of an away game against the table-toppers.
Rangers Await
The hosts arrive in strong form. Rangers beat Bendel Insurance 1-0 in a rescheduled game on Wednesday, November 4, through Chidozie Iwundu’s 47th-minute header, a result that Bendel have formally protested.
That win took the Flying Antelopes to 21 points from 10 matches, ahead of Kano Pillars on 19 and Rivers United and Bendel on 18. Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side have played fewer games than most of their rivals, so they have the chance to extend their lead.
Rangers are again playing in Awka, and they will be confident of making home advantage count. Fans who follow the NPFL race can check Bet9ja’s YOHAIG Sunday offer before kick-off.
What Is At Stake
The match is one of seven NPFL games scheduled for 4pm on Sunday. Fans who like to forecast results can try the Super9ja Sunday predictor alongside the fixtures.
For Kwara, a result would be a major boost. They have shown they can score, but defensive lapses against Bendel cost them dearly, and without Gata the midfield will have to work even harder to protect the back line.
For Rangers, a win would stretch their lead at the top and keep the pressure on the chasing pack. With Bendel’s protest still unresolved, they will want to win this game on the pitch.
Supporters of both sides will be watching closely to see who replaces Gata, and readers who want the latest odds news can look at this Bet9ja promotion for Rangers fans as the game gets under way.
📌 Did You Know?
- Kwara United are nicknamed the Harmony Boys and are based in Ilorin.
- Rangers’ 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance on November 4 took them to 21 points from 10 matches.
- Kwara’s 2-1 home defeat to Bendel on November 1 came after they led through Gideon Stephen in the 49th minute.
- Kwara had 12 points from 11 NPFL matches before this game.
- Seven NPFL games kick off at 4pm on Sunday, November 8.
