Kwara United head coach Tunde Sanni is brimming with confidence ahead of his team’s CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash against Ghana’s Asante Kotoko. In an exclusive interview with Akoma 87.9 FM, Sanni downplayed Kotoko’s reputation as African heavyweights, insisting his side is ready to compete on equal terms.
The first leg is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the return fixture set for September 28 in Ilorin, Nigeria. Despite Kotoko’s history as two-time African champions and their star-studded squad, Sanni emphasized that Kwara United has the talent to match them.
“We are preparing very well and are confident of beating Kotoko, provided there is fair officiating,” Sanni said. “Ghana is not the best football nation in Africa, so the fact that Kotoko have national team players in their squad does not put fear in us. We also have national team players, even some on our bench.”
Sanni highlighted his team’s ambition beyond this tie, stating they aim to win the CAF Confederation Cup along with two other domestic trophies this season. “We want to go far in this competition. This season, we are participating in three trophies, and our target is to win all of them.”
He also called on Nigerians in Ghana to fill the stands and provide vocal support. “Come Sunday, we will match Kotoko boot for boot. I urge all Nigerians in Ghana to come out in huge numbers to support us—we will never disappoint them.”
Kotoko, returning to continental action after five years, face pressure to avoid another early exit. Kwara United, fresh off their maiden President’s Federation Cup win, see this as a breakthrough opportunity under Sanni’s guidance. The winner advances to face Wydad Casablanca in the next round.
