Embattled Coach Seeks Redemption With Kwara United, Lobi Stars Derby In Ilorin

Increasingly voluble and embattled technical adviser of Kwara United, Kabir Dogo, on Sunday will attempt to shake off the stupor of a 2-1 defeat to Kano Pillars, last week, while attempting to beat the three match ultimatum handed to him by management of the Ilorin Club when he engages Lobi Stars of Makurdi at the Kwara State Stadium.

Lobi Stars, this season, have proven to be high fliers. Managed by no less a legend, Dominic Iorfa, ex-Super Eagles and seasoned club manager, the Makurdi based team has proven too much to handle by most top tier clubside this season in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, so far.

Plagued by injury, largely unreliable attackers and less savvy in media speaking, Dogo, United’s minder is intent on plodding on.

This match, in light of three match ultimatum handed to him, is, therefore, a match that the team must work very hard to win, at least to achieve an above average rating from the three matches.

Kwara United will as usual, have the total support of its fans, as they file out against the Benue state outfit.

With Alao Mohammed still out injured, Coach Dogo will rely on Emmanuel Ogbole, who opened his goal account against Kano Pillars in Kano last week, as well as Sadeeq Yusuf and Ifeanyi Odinnega upfront, to provide the needed goals.

In the middle as usual, midfield maestro, ThankGod Ikeagwu will lead others who include Shola AbdulRaheem, Ayo Adejubu and Issa Gata to provide balance for both the defense and the attack.

Ejeh Isaiah and Ramon Olanrewaju will lead the defence with Kabir Balogun and Kabir Mohammed, to provide cover for the goalkeeper.

Kwara United is currently 12th on the log with four wins, seven draws and five loses, and with 19 points.

Clash between the two North Central giants always comes with lots of crucial and challenging moments before, during and after, but for Dogo, the stakes are higher. He isn’t enjoying the best of cordial relationship from stakeholders of the state owned club on account of what some observers term ‘frivolous glib talks’ that has ruffled feathers.

He was on record blaming the newly refurbished home stadium turf for his poor run in the league.

The new grassing project was financed by a big player in the country and continent’s football.

In kano, he was also quoted as dismissing the club management’s ultimatum handed to him insisting that he is untouchable. Doggo is a tribal chief in Ilorin’s Emirate.

The comment didn’t sit well with most stakeholders of the club composed of a heterogeneous tribal mix. Those of Dogo’s base were the most upset because, according to them, such comment is unbecoming of a coach of his stature.

But pundits tip the Kwara United coach to weather the storm given his proven ruggedness.

Its a match that will see the 12th placed Kwara United fighting to dislodge the second placed team on the log, to secure the maximum three points that will obviously determine how far they can go in the season.

After getting the three match ultimatum, the Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo led technical crew has defeated Plateau United at home in Ilorin, and lost 2-1 to Kano Pillars at the Sanni Abacha Stadium in the last NPFL match of 2023.

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