Kwara, Tornadoes clash in North-Central derby

Kwara United players

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Kwara United return to the Rashidi Yekini Stadium in Ilorin on Sunday (today) for a crucial North-Central derby against Niger Tornadoes, with both sides seeking to strengthen their positions as the Nigeria Premier Football League season approaches its midpoint.

The Harmony Boys come into the match eager to recover from last weekend’s narrow 3–2 defeat to league newcomers Barau FC in Kano, a result head coach Ashifat Suleiman described as disappointing but not demoralising for a squad he insists remains fully focused.

Suleiman said the players had moved past the setback and were determined to show a stronger response in front of their supporters, saying, “Areas of loopholes have been corrected, and we are ready for a fierce North Central battle in our next game against Niger Tornadoes.”

There is added motivation for Kwara United, who suffered a double defeat to Tornadoes last season, including a painful opening-day loss in Ilorin.

The fixture, therefore, carries a sense of unfinished business for the hosts as they attempt to reclaim ground against rivals who have proved difficult in recent meetings.

Kwara have been handed a welcome boost with the return of Gidado Toheeb and Olarewaju AbdulRahman after spells on the sidelines.

However, the team will still be without Aliyu Salaudeen, Issa Gata and Shola Abdulraheem, who continue their recovery from injury.

The absences mean Kwara must rely on depth and adaptability as they look to stabilise after collecting 18 points from their first 15 matches, a return that places them fourteenth on the table.

Tornadoes arrive in Ilorin in a confident mood after an impressive opening to the campaign that has seen them collect 23 points and position themselves comfortably in the upper half of the standings.

Their attacking play has been driven by the form of winger Abdulrasheed  Dabai, whose six goal contributions, three goals and three assists, have earned him a place on the Super Eagles 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

His inclusion in the list announced by head coach Eric Chelle highlights his emergence as one of the standout performers of the season.

His performances have been central to Tornadoes’ rise, and Kwara United will be fully aware of the danger he poses with his pace, directness and ability to influence matches in decisive moments.

With only five points separating the teams, the regional derby carries significant weight at a stage when consistency is becoming increasingly crucial.

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