Achievers vs Koller FA: Match Preview, Expectations, and Team Philosophies in the Ilorin West Derby of the Kwara Kiddies League
Achievers Football Academy will face Koller Football Academy in the first encounter of the Ilorin West Derby of the 2024 Kwara Kiddies League campaign.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Kwara Football Academy pitch, kicking off the Week 2 games.
Achievers secured a convincing victory against debutant Gidado Academy in their opening match, scoring four goals and currently topping the league table with a superior goal difference.
In contrast, Koller Football Academy, a consistent top performer since the league’s inception in 2021, lost to defending champions, Kwara Football Academy (KFA) on Matchday 1.
Match preview
Koller Football Academy had a disappointing start to the season, losing their opening game to KFA by 2-0.
The defeat was not only concerning due to the result but also because of the subpar performance, which fell below the standards the team has set since the league’s inception.
In contrast, Achiever Football Academy is brimming with confidence following their victory over debutant Gidado Football Academy. Achiever hopes to carry this form and confidence into their game against Koller.
Despite being favorites due to their current form, Achievers are aware of the threat and quality posed by their neighbors, Koller. Last season, Koller won the first clash between the two sides 5-2, highlighting the potential danger they bring to the Ilorin West Derby on Saturday.
What to expect
After a disappointing result in the opener, Koller Football Academy will look to get their season back on track with a victory in the derby.
Coach Lambe Jamiu, known for his attacking philosophy with his young players, will prepare his team tactically for the battle ahead. He is well aware of the threat posed by Achiever, who won the reverse fixture last season 1-0.
Coach Jamiu recognizes Achiever’s defensive solidity, evident from last season’s results and their strong start this season, having scored four goals without conceding in their opener.
On the other hand, Coach Abdulwahab Muyhideen of Achiever, known for his counter-attacking approach, hopes to capitalize on Koller’s urgency to secure a win following their defeat to KFA.
He will aim to build on the momentum from their victory over Gidado and translate that confidence into the derby against their arch-rivals.
Confirmed team news
Speaking to the league media team, Coach Lambe Jamiu expressed his readiness for the upcoming derby, emphasizing the importance of having a fully fit squad.
Meanwhile, Coach Abdulwahab Muyhideen praised his team’s effort in the opening game but stressed the need for thorough preparation ahead of the derby. He also confirmed that all players are fit and ready for the match.
Key Players to Watch in the Ilorin West Derby
- Owolabi Abdulsamad (Achiever): The youngster notched two goals against Gidado in the opener. Abdulsamad will be crucial for Achiever, as they rely on his ability to trouble the opponent’s defense and be clinical in front of goal.
- Adeoye Tobi (Koller): Tobi will be looking to kick off his season after an uncharacteristically quiet performance against KFA. Named the Best Striker last campaign, he failed to score in the opener. Ahead of the derby, Koller will be hoping he can rediscover his form from last season.
- Yunus Abdulhamid (Koller): The young midfielder, known for his composure and creativity, was selected for the best team of last season. Despite struggling against KFA, he aims to regain his form and help his team secure an important win in the derby.
- Olojoku Ridwan (Achiever): An exciting and talented midfielder, Olojoku is not only calm and adept at delivering precise passes but also known for his scoring ability. He scored against Gidado on Matchday 1 and will be looking to use his skill set to help his team secure victory in the derby on Saturday.
Venue and Kickoff Time
The game will take place at Kwara Football Academy on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM.