A largely rebuilt Kwara United side showed real fight in their season opener, and their coach says that resilience is a sign of better days ahead.
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Kwara United head coach Suleiman Ashifat says his side can take genuine positives from their 2-2 draw with visiting Kano Pillars in Sunday’s 2026/27 NPFL season opener at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl in Ilorin.
Kwara United came from two goals down to salvage a point, with Alex Jerry among the scorers for the home side.
A Squad Still Finding Its Feet
Ashifat, a former Jasper United centre-back, explained that this season’s Kwara United squad is dominated by new signings, with no more than four players retained from last season. He said the fact that such an unfamiliar group could fight back from two goals down to draw with a compact, experienced Kano Pillars side pointed to a genuinely bright future, even while acknowledging the team remains a work in progress.
Looking Ahead To Plateau United
Kwara United travel to face Plateau United in Week Two of the season, and Ashifat said he expects a better performance as the squad continues to blend together. He said the team has already shown it can handle big occasions, and that this should translate into an improved showing on the road.
