Ekiti United Coach Bolarinwa Reflects on Home Dominance, Away Struggles in Promotion Push

Posted : 08 January 2026

Ekiti United FC head coach Bolarinwa Idris has spoken candidly about his team’s remarkable promotion push, their growing tactical identity, and why improving away performances will be crucial to achieving a historic Nigeria National League (NNL) breakthrough.

In the history of football in Ekiti State, no club has ever secured promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League. For years, the ambition has remained elusive. However, in the current NNL season, Ekiti United are daring to challenge that long-standing barrier.

At the heart of this belief is Bolarinwa Idris, a young and tactically progressive coach fondly nicknamed “African Guardiola” by admirers of his modern football philosophy. Entrusted with the task of achieving what no Ekiti club has done before, Idris has embraced the pressure rather than shying away from it.

With no promotional playoffs this season and only group winners guaranteed automatic promotion, the margin for error has become extremely slim. Ekiti United have responded by remaining firmly in the title race, trading positions at the top of the table with other contenders as the season progresses.

After eight matches, the Ado-Ekiti-based side sits third on the standings, just three points off the summit. Their form paints a striking picture: five home matches, five wins; three away matches, three defeats. While the record has excited supporters, it has also raised questions.

Speaking on the team’s journey so far, Idris expressed confidence in the direction of his squad as the mid-season approaches. According to him, Ekiti United’s campaign has been impressive, citing the quality of players available and the technical and tactical structure already in place.

He believes the team has proven competitive within their group, noting that despite conceding fewer goals away from home, they have ensured maximum points on home soil, even when goals have been hard to come by.

Idris stressed that his focus has been on developing players technically, tactically, and physically. He maintains that Ekiti United boast some of the league’s standout performers and believes the group remains wide open. His objective is clear: to finish top and secure promotion.

The Fortress in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti United’s home ground has quickly become one of the most intimidating venues in the NNL this season. Five matches have produced five victories, with no slip-ups.

Idris explained that home games are central to the team’s philosophy. The players understand the responsibility of performing in front of their supporters and are determined to reward them consistently.

He credited belief, preparation, and fan support as the key ingredients behind their dominance. According to him, playing at home brings confidence, discipline, and clarity of purpose, while tactical instructions are executed more precisely, fueled by the energy from the stands.

The coach reserved special praise for Ekiti United supporters, describing them as among the best in the league. Their presence, he said, reinforces the mindset that home matches are non-negotiable.

Away from home, the challenge has been tougher. Ekiti United have lost all three away fixtures, but Idris insists the performances tell a different story. He revealed that the team prepares even more tactically for away games.

In their first away match against Calabar Rovers, Ekiti United lost 2–1 after conceding a late penalty just two minutes from time. A similar scenario played out against Abakaliki, while an extended eight minutes of added time proved costly against Sporting Lagos as momentum shifted late in the game.

Idris acknowledged the limitations of a coach’s influence during matches, noting that he cannot step onto the pitch to play. Despite the results, he expressed pride in his players’ performances and commitment.

Looking ahead, the Ekiti United coach believes valuable lessons have been learned. With an upcoming away fixture against First Bank FC in Lagos, he is confident the team is ready to turn the corner and deliver a result that could reignite belief across the state.

Ekiti United Coach Bolarinwa Reflects on Home Dominance, Away Struggles in Promotion Push

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