2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL Matchday 8: Ikorodu City Punish Kwara United’s Slow Start in Lagos

Posted : 12 October 2026

Kwara United’s second-half resurgence could not overturn an early two-goal deficit as Ikorodu City secured a 2–0 victory in their Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 8 clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.

The Harmony Boys paid the price for a sluggish start, with Salami Faruq opening the scoring in the second minute before Ilechukwu Junior doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 36th minute.

The early setback disrupted Kwara United’s rhythm, allowing the Oga Boys to dictate proceedings and establish a comfortable lead before the interval.

Despite the difficult start, the visitors gradually grew into the contest and created opportunities to get back into the game.

Their clearest first-half chance came in the 32nd minute when Abdulsalam Abdulsalam received a well-weighted pass from Stephen Gideon. However, his hesitation in choosing his preferred foot gave Ikorodu City’s defenders enough time to recover and snuff out the danger.

Ikorodu City carried their two-goal advantage into the break, leaving Kwara United with a difficult task in the second half.

The visitors returned with greater attacking intent following the introduction of Alao Mohammed and Adeshina Gata for Emmanuel Ekpeyong and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam.

The substitutions improved Kwara United’s attacking play, while Gidado Toyeeb provided greater control in midfield with a series of incisive passes that helped the team build its attacks.

One promising move saw Gata release a long pass to Alao, who drove into the penalty area before setting up Gideon. However, an Ikorodu City defender intervened to clear the resulting effort and preserve the hosts’ advantage.

Gidado also threatened late in the encounter, but Ikorodu City’s defence remained resolute as the Harmony Boys failed to convert their improved performance into goals.

Reacting after the match, Kwara United head coach Ashifat Sulyman attributed the defeat to bad luck and missed scoring opportunities.

He, however, assured supporters that the technical crew would continue working to improve the team’s performance and help them return to winning ways.

Kwara United will now turn their attention to next weekend’s Matchday 9 fixture against Abia Warriors in Ilorin, where they will seek to bounce back from the setback and secure maximum points in front of their home supporters.

2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL Matchday 8: Ikorodu City Punish Kwara United’s Slow Start in Lagos

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics