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Kwara United’s goalless draw against Ikorodu City in Ilorin on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 NPFL season offered fans more questions than answers. The Harmony Boys were expected to claim all three points at home, but despite their dominance in possession, pressure, and shot count, they lacked the precision and inventiveness to break down a resilient Ikorodu side.
WHERE KWARA UNITED GOT IT WRONG?
Inefficient Finishing
With 17 shots attempted, United only managed 5 on target, a poor return for a team with home advantage. The lack of composure in front of goal — rushing efforts, shooting from awkward angles, and failing to test the goalkeeper consistently — left supporters frustrated.
Wasted Set Pieces
Kwara earned nine corners, a sign of territorial control, but failed to capitalize. Deliveries lacked variation, and movements in the box were predictable. For a team with physical presence, this was a missed opportunity to snatch a winner.
Predictable Attacking Pattern
Much of Kwara’s play came through the flanks, resulting in crosses that were comfortably handled by Ikorodu’s defenders. With little penetration through the middle or clever link-up play in the final third, United became one-dimensional, making the visitors’ defensive job easier.
Poor Transition Defence
Despite having more of the ball, Kwara conceded 15 shots. Ikorodu exploited gaps in transition, suggesting Kwara’s midfield lacked the balance to quickly recover after losing possession.
LIKELY SOLUTION FOR UPCOMING MATCHES
Sharpen the Attack
Focus on finishing drills in training — one-touch finishes, composure under pressure, and shooting accuracy. Encourage strikers to attack near-post and far-post spaces aggressively when crosses come in.
Reinvent Set Pieces
Design rehearsed corner routines: short corners, near-post flicks, and screens on the goalkeeper.
Assign a consistent specialist for delivery to increase accuracy.
Add Creativity in Midfield
Deploy a more active playmaker (#10 role) who can unlock tight defences with through balls and quick combinations. Allow midfielders to make late runs into the box, adding unpredictability and more scoring options.
Improve Defensive Transitions
One full-back should hold position when the other overlaps to prevent being exposed on the counter.
Midfielders must react quickly when possession is lost, pressing immediately to win the ball back.
Vary the Attacking Approach
Mix wing play with central combinations to stretch defences. Encourage cut-backs and low crosses instead of always swinging high balls into the box.
In conclusion, Kwara United’s first match showed commitment and energy but also exposed flaws that must be urgently addressed if they are to compete at the top this season. The statistics prove they created enough opportunities, but football is won by turning dominance into goals.
For the Harmony Boys, the lesson is clear: possession and pressure mean little without precision and creativity. The upcoming fixtures offer a chance to correct these mistakes — failure to do so could see them dropping more valuable points.
Wish our dealing team the best
Olaide Ahli writes from Kwara State
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