Kwara United midfielder Akeem Akanni is set to miss his fifth straight Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match due to fatigue related issues, despite returning to light training. The Afonja Warriors face Heartland FC this Sunday in Matchday 34 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
Coach Tunde Sanni has been cautious with Akanni’s return, closely monitoring his fitness before considering him for match action. The midfielder was rested after showing signs of exhaustion from being overused earlier in the season.
In Akanni’s absence, the club has turned to midfield trio Omotayo Suleiman, Philip Osho, and Shola Abdulrahman in recent matches. Kwara United, currently 11th on the NPFL table with 43 points, are looking to bounce back after losing their last home game to Bendel Insurance. Heartland FC, sitting 15th with 41 points, are also fighting to steer clear of relegation.
Editorial
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Akeem Akanni’s ongoing absence from Kwara United’s lineup highlights a persistent issue in Nigerian football: over-reliance on key players without proper rotation or workload management. Fatigue isn’t just about tired legs—it’s about a body pushed to its limit without the recovery it deserves.
Coach Tunde Sanni’s decision to bench Akanni despite his return to training is commendable and responsible. Rushing a player back—especially one integral to the team’s midfield engine could risk long-term damage. But the real question is: how did it get this far?
In a league as gruelling as the NPFL, depth and rotation are not luxuries they’re necessities. Kwara United’s overdependence on Akanni earlier in the season has come back to haunt them, and it’s a lesson not just for their squad but for others across the league. Squad depth isn’t just about options—it’s about sustainability.
With crucial points on the line and relegation pressure mounting for opponents like Heartland, every decision matters. And right now, the best decision for Akanni is rest, recovery, and a return when fully ready.
Did You Know?
- Akeem Akanni has missed four consecutive matches and is now set to miss his fifth due to fatigue-related concerns.
- Kwara United’s last NPFL victory came three games ago; they lost their most recent home fixture against Bendel Insurance.
- Coach Tunde Sanni has rotated three different midfielders to cover Akanni’s absence: Omotayo Suleiman, Philip Osho, and Shola Abdulrahman.
- Heartland currently sit just two points behind Kwara United in the NPFL table, making this a potentially pivotal mid-table clash.
- Akanni resumed training this week, but the coaching staff remains cautious about his match fitness and has not rushed his return.
