Kwara United have confirmed the dismissal of head coach Tunde Sanni after a disappointing run of results in both the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Naija News reports that Tunde Sanni led Kwara United to win the 2024-2025 President’s Federation Cup in Lagos earlier this year, the first in their history.

However, the 2025-2026 football season has not gone as planned. On Sunday, October 5, Kwara United slipped to a 1-0 home defeat against Abia Warriors in Ilorin, just days after being eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup by Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko on a 5-3 aggregate. The poor results left the club’s management with little patience, leading to Sanni’s exit.

Club chairman Kumbi Titiloye announced the decision through the club’s media, saying Sanni had been asked to step aside from his role as technical adviser. Assistant coach Ashifat Suleiman will now assume charge of the team immediately.

“Following the disappointing home loss, Club Chairman Mr Kumbi Titiloye confirmed to the club’s media that Coach Tunde Sanni has been asked to step aside as Technical Adviser,” the club statement read. “Assistant Coach Ashifat Suleiman will take charge of the team with immediate effect.”

Sunday’s defeat came after a frustrating performance in which Kwara United dominated possession in the first half but failed to capitalise on it. Abia Warriors capitalised on their only clear chance, with Emeka Obioma scoring from the penalty spot in the 48th minute after a handball in the box.

Sanni, speaking after the game, admitted his disappointment but insisted the team had what it takes to bounce back. However, his words did little to ease the growing frustration around Ilorin following the club’s continental struggles.

Kwara United’s Confederation Cup campaign ended prematurely after a 1-0 defeat to Asante Kotoko in the second leg played in Abeokuta. Combined with the 4-3 loss in Accra, the results exposed tactical flaws and a lack of consistency.

Critics pointed to disorganisation, wastefulness in front of the goal, and questionable selection decisions, including the decision to drop striker Shola Abdulraheem despite his goal in the first leg.

With Sanni’s departure now official, Suleiman’s immediate challenge will be to restore confidence in the squad as they prepare for a rescheduled NPFL clash against Kano Pillars on Wednesday.

The Ilorin-based club currently sits 10th on the NPFL table and hopes the change in technical direction sparks a revival in their season.

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