Kwara United have parted ways with head coach Tunde Sanni following a string of disappointing performances in both the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the CAF Confederation Cup. The decision comes after the team’s 1–0 home defeat to Abia Warriors on Sunday, October 5, in Ilorin, which deepened frustration among fans and club officials.
The Ilorin-based club announced the development in an official statement signed by Chairman Kumbi Titiloye, confirming that Sanni had been asked to “step aside” from his role as Technical Adviser. Assistant coach Ashifat Suleiman will now take over the team’s leadership on an interim basis.
“Following the disappointing home loss, Club Chairman Mr. Kumbi Titiloye confirmed that Coach Tunde Sanni has been asked to step aside as Technical Adviser,” the statement read. “Assistant Coach Ashifat Suleiman will take charge of the team with immediate effect.”
Sanni’s dismissal marks a sharp downturn from his earlier success with the club. Under his management, Kwara United won the 2024–2025 President’s Federation Cup in Lagos — their first major domestic title in history. The achievement had raised hopes for a strong follow-up campaign, but results this season have fallen far short of expectations.
The team’s struggles began with their early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup, where they were eliminated by Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko on a 5–3 aggregate. Despite a spirited display in the first leg in Accra, which ended 4–3, Kwara United lost 1–0 in the return fixture in Abeokuta, sealing their elimination.
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In Sunday’s NPFL clash, the Harmony Boys dominated early possession but failed to convert several chances. Abia Warriors capitalised on a defensive error in the 48th minute, with striker Emeka Obioma converting a penalty after a handball in the box. The defeat was Kwara United’s third in their last five matches, leaving them mid-table and struggling for consistency.
Coach Sanni, speaking after the loss, admitted his disappointment but remained hopeful that the team could recover. “It’s been a difficult few weeks, but we have the quality to turn things around,” he said. His words, however, were not enough to sway the club’s management, who cited a lack of tactical coherence and declining morale as reasons for the change.
Critics have pointed to tactical rigidity, poor finishing, and questionable lineup decisions as major factors in Kwara United’s decline. The decision to bench striker Shola Abdulraheem who scored in the first leg against Asante Kotoko — was seen as one of several controversial calls that backfired.
With Sanni’s exit now confirmed, interim coach Ashifat Suleiman faces the immediate task of rebuilding team confidence and addressing glaring weaknesses in attack. His first test will come against Kano Pillars in a rescheduled NPFL fixture on Wednesday.
Kwara United currently sit 10th in the league standings with seven points from five games. The management has expressed confidence that the coaching change will help the club regain form and stability as the season progresses.