OPINION: Why Kwara United Can Still Have a Successful NPFL Season Despite Their Recruitment Strategy

OPINION: Why Kwara United Can Still Have a Successful NPFL Season Despite Their Recruitment Strategy

By Dele Jr (Performance Analyst)

With the new NPFL season fast approaching, clubs are strengthening their squads. Kwara United have seen about 18 players leave, while bringing in 16 new signings alongside two promising youth players.

One of the biggest talking points among fans is the club’s recruitment process. Many have questioned why most of the new players were signed through trials, arguing that the club should focus on recruiting already established NPFL players. However, every club adopts a recruitment strategy that suits its vision and budget. Kwara United are not alone in this approach, clubs like Ikorodu City and Inter Lagos have also relied on similar methods.

Some common question from fans:

“Can Kwara United perform well this season with these signings?: Yes, they will.

On paper, clubs like Barau FC, Kano Pillars, Rivers United, Sporting Lagos and others may appear to have stronger squads because they have signed more experienced and well-known players.

Will those teams look stronger than Kwara United? Yes, on paper.

Can Kwara United still beat them? Yes, absolutely.

Football is not played on paper. Matches are won on the pitch through preparation, teamwork, discipline and execution.

Take Ikorodu City as an example. Over the last three seasons, they have signed very few established NPFL players. Yet they have consistently performed well and finished among the league’s top teams.

Most of their squad came from the NNL and academy systems. Players such as their captain, Waliu, Tosin, Shola, Ayodeji who once played for Kwara United U19 and Folarin were not established NPFL stars before joining the club, but they became key performers. The difference was that they were young, energetic and hungry to succeed. That is the same direction Kwara United’s management appears to be taking.

Beyond recruitment, what truly drove Ikorodu City’s success was the quality of their coaching staff, technical crew and their analyst. They managed their players effectively throughout the season and paid close attention to tactical details.

Football is a game of details. Every formation and every game plan has strengths and weaknesses. If your opponent identifies and exploits your weaknesses, you will struggle.

If Kwara United’s technical crew can thoroughly analyse every opponent, identify tactical loopholes, improve the team’s own weaknesses and prepare effectively for each match, then there is every reason to believe the club can enjoy a successful season.

In football, success is not determined solely by big-name signings, It is determined by preparation, tactical intelligence and attention to detail.

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