Kwara United head coach Ashifat Sulyman has described the GUSAU/AHLAN Preseason Tournament in Katsina as a crucial testing ground for his squad as the Harmony Boys intensify preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
Sports247 reports that Sulyman’s side began their Group B campaign on a positive note, defeating Ranchers Bees of Kaduna 2-0 at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium.
However, for the Kwara United tactician, the result was only part of the objective, with player assessment and tactical development remaining the primary focus.
The coach used the encounter to examine different combinations and give opportunities to members of his large squad. In the latter stages, Anthony Nnamdi, Qudus Opeyemi, Abdulsalam Abdulsalam and Jerry Alex were introduced for Emmanuel Ekpeyong, Abutu Gabriel, Sanni Muhammed and Tosin Olawale respectively.
Speaking after the match, Sulyman emphasised that the tournament provides the perfect environment to assess his players before the start of competitive league football.
“This is the best way to test our players. We came here with 35 players, and all of them will be tested to build on our strengths and improve on our weak areas,” he said.
The coach’s approach underlines his determination to ensure every member of the squad receives an opportunity to prove their worth before the new NPFL campaign gets underway.
Sulyman also welcomed the challenging weather conditions in Katsina, believing the hot and humid environment could prove beneficial to his team’s preparations.
“The weather is humid and hot. This is good for us because we are going to play under these conditions when the league starts,” he remarked.
Kwara United’s opening victory provided further encouragement for the coach, with Solomon Shoola scoring in the 19th minute before Qudus Opeyemi doubled the advantage three minutes after the restart.
Goalkeeper Ouattara Khalifa also impressed with several important saves, while Shoola was named Man of the Match.
Despite the positive result, Sulyman will be more interested in how his players respond to the demands of preseason and how quickly his tactical ideas take shape.
With the Harmony Boys set to face Kano Pillars in their opening NPFL fixture, the GUSAU/AHLAN tournament represents a valuable opportunity for Sulyman to fine-tune his squad, identify his strongest combinations and address weaknesses before the league campaign begins.
