NPFL22: Stephen Jude, Lokosa on targets as Kwara United floors Dakkada FC in Ilorin

Kwara United got off a brilliant start into the NPFL 2021/2022 season on Sunday when they defeated Dakkada FC of Uyo 3 goals to nil.

United started the game on a bright note when Stephen Jude’s low-placed shot opened the flood of goals in the third minute before the new recruit, Junior Lokosa grabbed his first goal of the season some thirty minutes later.

Dakkada had to deal with a difficult situation in the defense as the cutting edge of the homeside loaded with goals’ hunter were firing from all cylinders.

Stephen, with a tap at goal, clinched his brace of the game in the 58th minutes, thus sealing the victory for the Abdullahi Biffo-led side.

It was a very convincing performance from the Harmony boys who threw in their aces, soothing the appetite of the fans who are savouring the NPFL for the first time in almost two years due to Covid-19 disruption.

Dakkada, in the second half, had mastered a fierce reaction to the scoreline but found many difficulties breaking the defense of their hosts.

Speaking after the game, Coach Biffo, who revealed the result says the team has really prepared for the game, knowing fully well how the results of the first match can affect the boys psychologically in any form.

“We should be satisfied with the victory, it is the first game in the season nobody is sure of having a team yet still trying to build a team to continue from where we stopped last season,” he said.

The gaffer who lauded some of the new players like Junior Lokosa for making the scoresheet said he will continue to give every player opportunity, as he hopes to also land a positive result when they play against Plateau United next game.

Coach Umar Danlami of Dakkada in the post-match press briefing despite the loss believes his boys were impressive giving the fact that some of them are debutants.

“It’s a good match. Though I think the standard of young lads is not really up there, but I think there is room for improvement and I am a bit impressed,” he said.

Kwasau expressed optimism that the team will get the best out of the season, ruling out the scoreline which was the same when they visited Ilorin last season stressing, “It’s about the performance and we’ll get there.”