2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL Matchday 3: Kwara United Turn Second-Half Dominance into First Win

Posted : 14 September 2026

Kwara United finally found their rhythm in the 2026/2027 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), producing a dominant second-half performance to defeat Katsina United 3-0 in Ilorin.

The victory at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl of the George Innih Stadium Complex was built on patience, tactical adjustments and improved finishing after the hosts struggled to make their early chances count.

Kwara United started brightly but were guilty of wasting opportunities, with Emmanuel Ekpeyong and Thomas Omokhafe failing to convert openings that could have given the Harmony Boys an earlier advantage.

Coach Ashifat Sulyman responded by switching the positions of Gidado Toyeeb and Philip Ozor, a tactical adjustment that brought greater fluidity to the midfield and attacking areas.

The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 31st minute through an unusual but deserved goal.

Ferinyaro Ali surged forward from the back before delivering a dangerous cross into the visitors' penalty area. The ball deflected off the Katsina United goalkeeper and found its way into the net to put Kwara United ahead.

The 1-0 lead, however, did not fully reflect the hosts' attacking intent, as they went into the interval knowing they needed to be more clinical.

Sulyman wasted little time reshaping his team for the second half, making three changes as Adeshina Gata, Tosin Olawale and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam replaced Omokhafe, Ekpeyong and Sanni Mohammed.

The changes transformed the contest.

Kwara United increased the tempo, moved the ball with greater purpose and began to exert sustained pressure on Katsina United, who struggled to cope with the hosts' attacking intensity.

The pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Tosin Olawale finished from close range to double Kwara United's advantage.

Adeshina Gata then put the result beyond doubt in the 65th minute, calmly converting another close-range opportunity to make it 3-0.

From that point, Kwara United managed the game comfortably to secure their first victory of the season and maximum points.

Ferinyaro Ali was one of the standout performers, contributing a goal involvement and an assist before being named the Cyteck Man of the Match.

The defender attributed the individual honour to the collective effort of his teammates.

For Sulyman, the major difference between the two halves was not the number of opportunities created but the efficiency with which they were converted.

The coach admitted that his players had been wasteful before the interval but praised their improved finishing after the restart.

He also acknowledged that the squad was still developing its understanding and assured supporters that the team would continue to improve as the campaign progresses.

The result gives Kwara United an important confidence boost ahead of their Matchday 4 assignment, when they travel to Delta State to face Warri Wolves next weekend.

2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL Matchday 3: Kwara United Turn Second-Half Dominance into First Win

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