Kwara United’s setback in the CAF Confederation Cup against Asante Kotoko of Ghana opened the door to rumours, questions, and pressure on coach Tunde Sanni, whose side is preparing for a tough run of league fixtures, Footynaija.com reports.
They had gone into the clash with Kotoko on the back of a shaky run, struggling to find consistency in front of goal. In the NPFL, dropped points at home and narrow defeats on the road had already left fans frustrated, and the continental stage offered a chance at redemption.
Instead, a flat performance at the MKO Abiola Complex in Abeokuta confirmed their exit and left the mood around the club heavy. Kwara created chances, but wastefulness in front of goal meant Kotoko advanced at their expense.
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In the days that followed, rumours of a three-match ultimatum and even a half-salary sanction circled around Ilorin, suggesting the club’s patience was wearing thin.
Club media officer Ayodeji Ismail was quick to dismiss that talk, insisting that no ultimatum had been handed to the coach, according to a report by The Informant247.
Sanni himself didn’t shy away when asked about it. “It’s not true. It has been resolved. Whether anybody give me three matches, ultimatum or not — pressure or no pressure, this coming match is very important for us,” he said in a phone interview.
The coach also pointed out that his salary had been paid in full. “When they pay salary I was paid my full salary. If it’s not resolved how can they pay me my full salary. Our own is to work harder so that we can win tomorrow,” he added.
For a man who only months ago delivered the club’s first-ever Federation Cup, the difference couldn’t be more clear. That triumph secured a continental ticket and raised expectations, but the Kotoko loss shifted the mood back to one of scrutiny.
Now the spotlight falls on the NPFL, where Plateau United and Abia Warriors both visit Ilorin before a tricky trip to Kano Pillars.
