2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 34: Kwara United Digs Deep for Vital Point Against Shooting Stars

Posted : 13 April 2026

Kwara United boosted their survival hopes in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season with a hard-fought goalless draw against Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

In a fixture where discipline outweighed flair, the Harmony Boys delivered a tactically sound performance, frustrating the hosts and leaving Ibadan with a crucial point in their relegation battle.

Fresh from an emphatic win over El-Kanemi Warriors, Kwara United carried confidence into the encounter but were quickly tested by a determined Shooting Stars side eager to assert dominance at home.

However, the visitors’ structured approach ensured they remained compact and difficult to break down.

The midfield trio of Akanni Akeem, Gidado Toyeeb, and Philip Ozor played a pivotal role, striking a balance between defensive duties and controlled build-up play. Their composure helped Kwara United maintain shape while limiting clear-cut chances for the Oluyole Warriors.

Despite the cautious nature of the game, Kwara United created the better openings in the first half. Junior Aimufua came close to breaking the deadlock after latching onto a well-weighted pass from Toyeeb, but his effort failed to trouble the target.

Shooting Stars responded with attacking intent, led by Abayomi Junior, but Kwara’s defensive line, anchored by Ibrahim Yahaya and Saheed Olaniyi and marshalled by Ogbonna Arinze alongside Kabiru Muhammed, remained resolute to keep the hosts at bay.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Shooting Stars pressing forward and Kwara United relying on quick transitions. One such moment nearly paid off in the 63rd minute when Babatunde Bright delivered a teasing cross, only for Aimufua to miss the finishing touch.

Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman introduced fresh legs in Issa Gata and Samsudeen Mohammed, whose energy added urgency to the attack and briefly unsettled the home defence.

As the match edged towards its conclusion, the hosts pushed for a winner, but goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso emerged as the hero for the visitors, producing a superb late save to ensure the points were shared.

The result sees Kwara United climb to 40 points after 34 matches, sitting 16th on the table as they continue their fight to beat the drop. With time running out in the season, every point remains crucial.

Speaking after the match, coach Suleiman commended his players’ determination and stressed the importance of maintaining consistency.

Kwara United will now shift focus to their next fixture against Barau, a match that could prove decisive in their quest for survival.

This hard-earned draw highlights the defensive improvement of the Harmony Boys under intense pressure. By securing a point away from home, the team remains in a strong position to escape the relegation zone. The upcoming clash against Barau will be the ultimate test of their resolve in this final stretch of the campaign.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 34: Kwara United Digs Deep for Vital Point Against Shooting Stars

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