Kwara United’s campaign to reclaim their position at the top of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) table suffered a setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Niger Tornadoes in their Match Week 23 fixture. The Ilorin-based side controlled the majority of the game and created numerous scoring chances but failed to capitalize on their dominance, much to the frustration of Head Coach Kabiru Dogo.
Dogo’s Disappointment: “We Deserved More”
In a post-match interview, Dogo expressed his disappointment with the result, stating, “We are disappointed with the outcome. We entered this game with a clear strategy and executed it well for most of the match. We controlled possession, created numerous chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t find the back of the net on more than one occasion.”
Statistics support Dogo’s assessment, as Kwara United enjoyed a significant advantage in terms of ball possession, completed passes, and overall tempo of the game. The attacking duo of Wasiu Jimoh and Barnabas Imeni consistently threatened the Tornadoes defense, but a combination of missed opportunities and outstanding saves from goalkeeper Jonah Jangyol kept the score level for most of the match.
Defensive Lapse Proves Costly
Kwara United’s frustration was compounded by the nature of Niger Tornadoes’ equalizer. A momentary loss of concentration at the back allowed substitute Usman Sadiq to pounce on a loose ball in the penalty area and slot it past the otherwise impressive Kwara United goalkeeper, Abdulrahman Bashir, in the 78th minute. This setback came after Kwara United had taken a well-deserved lead through a well-worked team goal finished off by midfielder Stephen Alfred in the 52nd minute.
While acknowledging the defensive lapse that led to the equalizer, Dogo commended his team’s overall performance, stating, “We showed great fighting spirit and never gave up even after conceding the goal. The boys played some fantastic football, and it’s just unfortunate that the result doesn’t reflect the effort we put in on the pitch.
Looking Ahead: Learning from Experience
Dogo’s focus now shifts to helping his players learn from the experience and move forward. “We will review the game, identify our shortcomings, and work on them in training,” he declared. “The good thing is that we are creating chances, and with a bit more clinical finishing, we will start converting them into goals. We are determined to get back to winning ways in our next match.
The Kwara United faithful will undoubtedly share Dogo’s sentiment. While a point away from home is not necessarily a poor result, the missed opportunity to climb the table and put pressure on the league leaders is a source of frustration. However, the team’s performance against Niger Tornadoes offered glimpses of their potential, with their attacking style of play being exciting to watch. With a touch more composure in front of goal, they have the capability to challenge for the top spots in the NPFL.
Areas for Improvement
The encounter against Niger Tornadoes also highlighted areas for improvement. Defensive lapses, particularly at set pieces, need to be addressed to ensure a more solid foundation at the back. Additionally, developing a more clinical approach in the final third will be crucial in converting dominance into victories.
The upcoming matches will be a true test of Kwara United’s character. Their ability to learn from the Niger Tornadoes game and build upon their positive performance will be key to their success. The Harmony Warriors have the potential to soar in the remaining fixtures of the season, but they must demonstrate resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Conclusion: A Team to Watch
Despite the frustrating draw against Niger Tornadoes, Kwara United remains a team to watch in the race for the NPFL title. With a passionate coach in Kabiru Dogo and a talented squad at his disposal, they possess the potential to challenge for the top spots in the league.
The Harmony Warriors’ journey to the top may have encountered a slight detour, but their determination and the lessons learned from this experience could prove invaluable in the long run. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Kwara United to see if they can turn their potential into tangible success on the pitch.
