Samad Kadiri came off the bench for Kwara United to help the Ilorin-based Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side beat visiting Lobi Stars of Makurdi 1-0 on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2021/2022 NPFL Match day 11 encounter was played at the Kwara Stadium Complex in Ilorin.
Kwara United began the match the better side and were almost going ahead in the fourth minute, but Lobi Stars’ goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made two vital saves in quick succession to deny the hosts.
Alao Danbani missed an opportunity for Kwara United in the 12th minute when he headed wide Abdulafeez Musa’s fantastic cross.
Both sides did the battle for supremacy in the midfield as Lobi Stars showed they are an experienced side while Kwara United were always exploring their youthful exuberance.
Samad Kadiri scored the only goal of the match in the 71st minute off a Chisom Samuel effort after Nwabali missed his target of punching off a corner-kick.
Dele Aiyenugba was forced to make a vital save with few seconds to play to consolidate on their 1-1 away draw at Akwa United on match day 10 in Uyo on Wednesday.
Kwara United’s Chief Coach, Ashifat Suleiman, later told journalists that their initial plans did not work for them and they had to change to get the goal.
“We had wanted to make our changes in the first half, but then we decided to wait until the second half to re-strategise.
“We noticed their style of play was to get a draw. Immediately they lose the ball, 10 men would be behind the ball, leaving only a striker up front.
“That was when we decided to bring in a pacy player and another rugged one who will compete well with their string of defenders,” Suleiman said.
Kwara United will now head to Katsina to face Katsina United on match day 12.(NAN)