Kwara United head coach Tunde Sanni has thrown down the gauntlet as his side prepares for its first real continental test of the season, a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round fixture against Ghanaian powerhouse Asante Kotoko.
The Harmony Boys earned their place on the continent after clinching last season’s President’s Federation Cup, ending a long wait to re-establish themselves among Nigeria’s representatives on the African stage.
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Now, standing in their way is Kotoko, two-time African champions and one of the most storied clubs on the continent. But despite the pedigree of their Ghanaian opponents, Sanni insists his side is unfazed.
“I believe Asante cannot do more than what Warri Wolves did, and if we can survive this, we can survive in Ghana,” the coach said, reflecting on Sunday’s goalless draw away at NPFL newcomers Warri Wolves. “It was a good game and a good test ahead of Asante Kotoko.”
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A league test before the Continental Stage
Kwara United’s stalemate in Warri left them in 12th position on the NPFL table with five points from four matches. Not spectacular, but steady. Sanni described the point as a confidence booster, evidence that his side can weather pressure in tough away conditions.
Warri Wolves coach Napoleon Aluma, however, felt his team deserved more:
“I would not say a tough game because we didn’t score. We did all the playing, it’s just that we did not take our chances. We had played them in every department of the game, but what wins a match was what was missing today. And I believe we’ll go back to the drawing board and correct our mistakes.”
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For Kwara, the result wasn’t about dominance but resilience, discipline, and preparation for the demands of continental football.
The continental dream
The Ilorin-based side knows what is at stake. Beyond just winning, Kwara United want to prove that they belong among Africa’s elite by advancing through the early rounds and into the lucrative group stage of the Confederation Cup.
The first leg is scheduled for Sunday, 21 September at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the return leg set for 28 September in Nigeria. For Sanni’s men, the mission is simple: keep it tight in Ghana, then finish the job at home in front of their supporters.
“It was a good game and a good test,” Sanni repeated with conviction, “and we take that same determination into Ghana.”
Kwara United and Continental Football
Kwara United are no strangers to the CAF Confederation Cup. Their last notable run came in 2021, when they narrowly missed out on the group stage after being eliminated by RS Berkane of Morocco, eventual champions.
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That disappointment still lingers, but it also fuels their current campaign. Back then, they had talent but lacked the finishing edge. This time, they return with a squad that has tasted more domestic consistency, a cup triumph, and a coach who preaches fearlessness.
The task ahead
Kotoko remain one of the continent’s toughest sides to beat at home. But Sanni’s stance is clear: if Kwara United can silence the Wolves in Warri, they can contain Kotoko in Accra.
Whether that belief translates into results on the pitch will define not just their season, but also Nigeria’s representation in the CAF Confederation Cup.
For now, the Harmony Boys march into Ghana with confidence and the conviction that this is more than just a tie. It is a statement of intent.
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