ABS Ilorin Gain Confidence with Kwara United Scalp Ahead of NNL Opener

Posted : 06 November 2026

ABS Ilorin FC have received a timely confidence boost ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season after defeating city rivals Kwara United 1-0 in their final preseason fixture.

An early fourth-minute goal by Abdulqudari Dosunmu secured victory for the Saraki Boys against the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl of the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.

The result provided a positive conclusion to ABS Ilorin's preparations, with coach Festus Allen's side now turning its attention to the league opener against Sokoto United on Saturday.

Despite the narrow victory, Allen said the encounter offered his players valuable lessons, describing the result as an important morale booster against an experienced opponent.

The former Gateway FC coach acknowledged Kwara United's quality, noting that facing an NPFL side with continental experience provided an opportunity to assess his relatively new squad.

"Well, I would say the victory is a morale booster for us. However, we learnt a lot of lessons from the game. It's not that Kwara United did not play; they played. They are our senior brothers, but we learnt a lot from them in that game, and this is a morale booster for our match coming up on Saturday," Allen said.

He added that the technical crew had identified areas requiring improvement and would address the lapses before the start of the league campaign.

"The lapses and every error spotted will be corrected in training, and we will perfect them. We are yet to get there, but we will get there.

"This game has taught us where and how to approach our next challenge. On Saturday, by the special grace of God, we are going for the three points. I am very confident," he added.

ABS Ilorin's final preseason victory capped a preparation period that featured 12 friendly matches against various opponents.

The Saraki Boys recorded victories over Barrier FC (4-1), Sunrise FC (3-1), Nationwide FC (2-0), Gana Academy (5-0), Smart City FC (1-0) and Kwara United (1-0).

They also drew against Oscar FC, Crown FC and KFA, while suffering defeats to Kwara United, Gaa Akanbi and Nationwide FC.

The latest victory over Kwara United will provide additional encouragement for Allen's players as they prepare to begin their NNL campaign.

With promotion to the NPFL remaining the club's major ambition, the Saraki Boys will hope to translate their improved preseason performances into positive results as they face the challenges of the new season.

ABS Ilorin Gain Confidence with Kwara United Scalp Ahead of NNL Opener

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