Kwara United will kick off their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign on Sunday when they face Ikorodu City at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl, Ilorin.
Head Coach Tunde Sanni has expressed confidence in his side’s readiness, stressing the importance of building on their strong showing at the ValueJet Preseason Tournament.
“Ikorodu City are no pushovers; they are one of the strongest teams in the league. But we are determined to secure maximum points here in Ilorin,” Sanni said at the pre-match press conference.
The Harmony Boys have strengthened their squad with 18 new arrivals, including Gidado Olakunle Toheeb, Chara Mubarak, Ini Emmanuel, Moses Nyebe, Aule Shirsha Johnmark, Ogunribide Samson, Ajiboye Moses, and Babatunde Junior Bright.
The fresh faces are expected to inject both energy and quality as Kwara push for a winning start.
Kwara United lifting the Federation Cup trophy after defeating Abakilki FC in Lagos State. Photo Credit:X
Club captain Afeez Musa Olororo also assured fans of the team’s readiness.
“We are fully prepared, both physically and mentally, and we want our supporters behind us as we begin the season,” he said.
Ikorodu City have strengthened their squad and technical setup with the reappointment of Bright Ozebagbe as Technical Adviser and promotion of Ali Kandil to Head coach after Nurudeen Aweroro left for Shooting Stars.
Ikorodu City Head Coach Ali Kandil. Photo Credit: X
Former Enyimba, Rivers United and Flying Eagles goalkeeper Olufemi Thomas has joined the club’s technical team, bringing valuable top-flight and international experience.
On the playing side, the Oga Boys confirmed the signing of Liberian international goalkeeper Derrick Julu on a two-year deal. Julu, a two-time Liberian First Division champion with Watanga FC, is expected to add depth and competition between the posts.
Liberian international goalkeeper Derrick Julu, who penned a two-year deal with the Oga Boys.
The club also announced the arrival of three Nigerian players: forwards Uchechukwu Onyemaechi from Ijebu United and Taiwo Alao from Sporting Lagos, alongside midfielder Rasheed Owolabi, who joins from Inter Lagos on a two-year contract.
The Oga boys finished 4th place in their maiden season in the NPFL.
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This fixture carries extra motivation for Kwara, who were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Ikorodu City last season before losing the reverse leg 2-1 in Lagos.
Meanwhile, continental duties also loom. Kwara United will fly Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the First Preliminary Round.
The Kumasi-based side will host the first leg before the return match in Ilorin, with the winners progressing to face Moroccan heavyweights Wydad AC in the second round.
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The Preliminary Round ties are slated for September 19–21 and 26–28, with the Second Preliminary Round fixed for October 17–19 and 24–26.
