Kwara United head coach Suleiman Ashifat says his largely new-look squad can build a successful season after recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars in their 2026/2027 Euromatch–NPFL opener.
The result was disappointing for the home side, who were playing at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl in Ilorin on Sunday, but Ashifat believes the resilience shown by his players offers encouragement as they continue to develop together.
Kwara United’s matchday squad was heavily made up of new signings, with only a small number of players from last season remaining at the club. Ashifat said the team’s ability to recover against an experienced Kano Pillars side demonstrated the character within the newly assembled group.
“Kwara United, as a team, this season, is dominated by new signings, with no more than four old players,” said Ashifat, a former Jasper United centre-back.
The coach acknowledged that the team remains in the early stages of its development, but felt the comeback was evidence of its potential.
“And for the team to fight their way from two goals down to end the game on a 2-2 draw shows that the future is bright. For now, they are still a work in progress.
“If they can hold their ground against an experienced and compact team, full of experienced players, it shows that indeed, this team has a very, very bright future.”
Kwara United’s rebuilding process began during the close season, with the club unveiling 16 new signings and retaining 14 players as they began their title campaign.
Ashifat’s side will now face another demanding test away from home when they travel to Plateau United for their Euromatch–NPFL 2026/2027 Week 2 fixture this weekend.
The manager expects his players to improve as they become more familiar with one another and believes their response against Kano Pillars has given them confidence ahead of the trip.
“Kwara United is still a work in progress. Gradually, the team is evolving. We’ve got too many new players and we’re undergoing the blending process.
“They have shown they are capable of handling bigger games and so, I believe they will do better when we travel to Plateau United this weekend,” Ashifat said.
The draw leaves Kwara United with a point from their opening match, although Ashifat will be seeking a more complete performance from his side in their next league fixture. For now, he is encouraged by the way a squad still adapting to major changes refused to surrender after falling two goals behind.