Kwara United General Manager, Mallam Bashir Badawiy, has expressed measured confidence as his side prepares to face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the first preliminary round of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.
Speaking to Akoma 87.9 FM, Badawiy emphasised that while football is competitive, it is not a matter of life and death, and his team is focused on delivering a strong performance.
“The expectation is for us to do better than the last time we played in the Confederation Cup,” he said. “We are not here to boast — football is the same everywhere. It’s not a war; it’s not do-or-die. We will try our best to make our fans, supporters, and well-wishers happy.”
The Kwara United boss also reflected on the changing fortunes of Ghanaian football to underline his belief that Kotoko can be beaten.
“There was a time Hearts of Oak dominated, then Kotoko won the league back-to-back. Later, Medeama became one of the best before Kotoko came back again. Things change in football, and so we will overcome this hurdle against Kotoko,” he added.
The first leg is set for Kumasi between September 19 and 21, with the return match in Nigeria scheduled from September 26 to 28. The winner will advance to face Moroccan heavyweights Wydad Casablanca in the next round.
