2026/2027 NPFL Match Day 1: Jerry Brace Rescues Kwara United Against Kano Pillars

Posted : 31 August 2026

Alex Jerry emerged as Kwara United’s hero on Sunday after his brace rescued a point for the Harmony Boys in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Kano Pillars in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The encounter at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl of the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, appeared to be heading Kano Pillars’ way after the visitors established a two-goal advantage in the first half.

Shola Abdulraheem put Pillars ahead in the 13th minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse by the home side.

Kwara United goalkeeper Ouattara Khalifa had punched the ball away, but the defenders failed to complete the clearance, allowing Abdulraheem to react quickly and fire into the net.

The hosts responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, with Joseph Gideon coming close shortly afterwards, although his effort went narrowly wide.

Kano Pillars, however, remained dangerous on the counter and doubled their advantage in the 30th minute.

Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali produced a powerful strike that flew beyond the reach of Ouattara, sending the travelling supporters into celebration and leaving Kwara United with a mountain to climb.

The Harmony Boys went into the interval trailing 0-2.

Coach Ashifat Sulyman responded by introducing Alex Jerry for Sani Mohammed at the beginning of the second half, and the substitute wasted little time in changing the complexion of the game.

Jerry pulled one back for Kwara United, giving the home side renewed belief and sparking a sustained spell of pressure.

With the support of a sizeable home crowd, Kwara United began to dominate possession and dictate the tempo as Sulyman made further tactical adjustments.

Pillars were forced to defend deeper as the Harmony Boys repeatedly searched for an opening, but the visitors appeared set to hold on for victory.

Jerry had other ideas.

Deep into stoppage time, the substitute completed his remarkable comeback by scoring his second goal of the afternoon to level the scores at 2-2 and send the home supporters into wild celebrations.

The brace earned Jerry the Cyteck Man of the Match award, sponsored by Engr. Olaide Ahmed, after his introduction proved pivotal to Kwara United’s recovery.

Despite the dramatic comeback, Sulyman admitted that his side’s failure to take their chances in the opening half had made the contest unnecessarily difficult.

“We failed to take our chances, and this haunted us. Kano Pillars utilised the chances that came their way. We will make up for this in our subsequent games,” he said.

Kwara United will now turn their attention to Match Day 2, when they travel to Jos to face Plateau United next weekend.

For Kano Pillars, the draw will be a bitter pill to swallow after surrendering a two-goal advantage, although they will take encouragement from their impressive first-half display.

2026/2027 NPFL Match Day 1: Jerry Brace Rescues Kwara United Against Kano Pillars

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