2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 38: Kwara United survive relegation scare despite crushing loss in Yenagoa

Posted : 25 May 2026

Kwara United endured a nervy end to the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season despite escaping relegation after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Bayelsa United on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

The Harmony Boys came into the final-day encounter needing a positive result to guarantee survival, but were outclassed by a determined Bayelsa United side that dominated the second half on a rain-soaked pitch in Yenagoa.

Persistent rainfall made conditions difficult for both teams, and the opening 45 minutes ended goalless as Kwara United managed to frustrate their hosts with disciplined defending.

However, Bayelsa United returned from the break with renewed intensity and broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second half to put the visitors under pressure.

Kwara United were handed a golden opportunity to respond almost immediately after Junior Aimufua was fouled inside the penalty area in the 50th minute. But Jimoh Gbadamosi failed to convert from the spot as the Bayelsa goalkeeper produced a brilliant save to deny the Harmony Boys a route back into the contest.

That missed penalty proved costly as Bayelsa United seized complete control of the game, scoring three more goals in the 60th, 66th, and 72nd minutes to condemn Kwara United to one of their heaviest defeats of the season.

Despite the humiliating result, Kwara United eventually retained their NPFL status thanks to Bendel Insurance’s 1-1 draw against Remo Stars in another decisive Match Day 38 fixture. The Ilorin-based side survived by the slimmest of margins on goal difference, finishing with minus four compared to Remo Stars’ minus five.

The dramatic escape, however, was overshadowed by ugly scenes after the match as tension reportedly erupted involving some former players of the club.

Former players Anthony Obaluwa and Blessing Okadi allegedly confronted officials and players of Kwara United over claims of unpaid entitlements, leading to chaotic scenes around the team camp.

Security operatives, including police officers, were later drafted in to restore calm after reports emerged that the team bus was temporarily seized and one of its tyres deflated during the confrontation.

Kwara United eventually wrapped up the campaign in 16th position on the NPFL table, narrowly avoiding relegation after a turbulent end to the season.

The heavy defeat in Yenagoa exposes significant weaknesses that the Ilorin-based club must address before the next campaign begins. While the team managed to secure its top-flight status on the final day, the post-match chaos highlights deeper internal issues requiring urgent resolution. Management must now focus on rebuilding both squad depth and administrative stability to ensure a less precarious run next year.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 38: Kwara United survive relegation scare despite crushing loss in Yenagoa

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