Kwara, Enyimba renew rivalry in high-stakes duel

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Kwara United and Enyimba will renew their rivalry on Sunday (today) when both sides meet in Aba in a Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 17 fixture with significant implications for their respective seasons, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Kwara United arrive in Aba buoyed by a return to winning ways after ending a three-match winless run with a convincing 2–0 victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Rashidi Yekini main bowl in Ilorin last weekend.

The Harmony Boys dominated that contest and could have recorded a wider margin, a performance that has restored confidence as the first round of the season nears its conclusion.

After 16 matches, Kwara United sit 10th on the league table, while Enyimba are unexpectedly placed 13th despite recent changes to their technical crew.

The nine-time champions have struggled for consistency this season and will be under pressure to deliver a strong performance in front of their supporters in Aba.

Kwara United are expected to lean on the attacking threat of Bright Babatunde and Eze Ogbodo Chibuzor, supported by midfielders Akanni Akeem and Victor Adeoye.

The pace of Philip Ozo, Junior Aimufua and Ibrahim Yahaya on the flanks offers additional attacking options, while Arinze Ogbonna and Saheed Olaniyi are likely to anchor the defence.

Aliyu Saludeen and Shola Abdulraheem remain unavailable through injury, but there has been a boost for the visitors with Issa Gata returning to light training, although he is not yet considered ready for competitive action.

Enyimba have historically held the upper hand in league meetings between both sides, but last season’s fixtures highlighted a more even contest, with each team claiming a home victory.

That recent balance adds further intrigue to a fixture that often carries added edge.

As the league approaches the end of the first round, caution remains the watchword, with teams mindful of the intensity and tactical demands that define this phase of the campaign.

Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman has reiterated his side’s ambition, stressing that the players remain committed to pushing for a strong finish to the season.

The Ilorin boys have already arrived safely in Aba and concluded preparations with a light training session ahead of what is expected to be a keenly contested encounter against the Peoples’ Elephant.

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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