Kwara United have confirmed the dismissal of their head coach, Tunde Sanni, following a string of disappointing performances in both the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Ilorin-based club announced the decision on Sunday, October 5, after suffering a 1–0 home defeat to Abia Warriors, a result that deepened their struggles at the start of the 2025/2026 football season.
The loss came just days after their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup by Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko, who progressed on a 5–3 aggregate.
Sanni, who guided Kwara United to their first-ever President’s Federation Cup title earlier this year, has been relieved of his duties as Technical Adviser, according to a statement issued by the club’s chairman, Kumbi Titiloye.
“Following the disappointing home loss, Coach Tunde Sanni has been asked to step aside as Technical Adviser,” Titiloye said. “Assistant Coach Ashifat Suleiman will take charge of the team with immediate effect.”
Despite showing promise early in the season, Kwara United have struggled to maintain consistency. The team dominated large spells of Sunday’s encounter but failed to convert their chances, while Emeka Obioma’s 48th-minute penalty proved decisive for Abia Warriors.
The club’s recent performances have drawn criticism from fans and analysts, who pointed to tactical lapses, poor finishing, and questionable squad selections including the benching of striker Shola Abdulraheem, who scored in the first leg of their Confederation Cup tie.
Speaking after the defeat, Sanni expressed disappointment but insisted the team had the quality to recover. However, the club’s management opted for swift action amid growing frustration among supporters.
Kwara United currently sit 10th on the NPFL table and will be hoping that the appointment of Suleiman can spark a turnaround as they prepare for their rescheduled league fixture against Kano Pillars on Wednesday.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
