Kwara United goalkeeper coach Dele Aiyenugba says new Malian shot-stopper Khalifa Quattara has what it takes to thrive in the NPFL after making his debut in a 2-2 draw with Kano Pillars.
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Kwara United’s goalkeeper coach, former Super Eagles shot stopper Dele Aiyenugba, believes new signing Khalifa Quattara has the qualities to settle quickly into the Nigerian top flight. The Malian goalkeeper made his debut for the club in a 2-2 draw against Kano Pillars in their season opener at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin.
Aiyenugba Confident In Goalkeeping Options
Speaking on the team’s overall quality, Aiyenugba said he could only speak to his own department, but felt confident about the goalkeeping department specifically. He acknowledged the draw against Kano Pillars but said he rates the squad highly, adding that with Quattara only just arriving from Mali and other capable goalkeepers already on the books, he does not expect shot-stopping to be an issue for Kwara United this season.
A Coach With Penalty-Saving Pedigree
Aiyenugba himself built a reputation as a penalty specialist during his playing days, most notably helping Enyimba win back to back CAF Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004. Asked whether he could help produce a goalkeeper with similar penalty-saving instincts, he said it was a real possibility, pointing to hard work, focus and concentration as the key ingredients.
From Enyimba To Israel And Back Home
After his spell with Enyimba, Aiyenugba took his career to Israel, playing for Bnei Yehuda, Hapoel Ashkelon, Hapoel Iksal and Hapoel Afula between 2007 and 2020, before returning to Nigeria to join his boyhood club, Kwara United. He earned 17 caps for the Super Eagles across his career before retiring from playing in 2024 to take up his current coaching role.
