2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 26: Late Setback Compounds Kwara United’s Survival Fight

Posted : 16 February 2026

Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 26 delivered more frustration than relief for Kwara United as the Ilorin side were held to a 1–1 draw at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl of the George Innih Stadium on Sunday.

For a team battling to climb out of the relegation zone, it felt like two points dropped rather than one gained.

The Harmony Boys burst into life from kickoff, pressing high and dictating tempo in front of their home fans. Junior Aimufua and Johnmark Aule combined effectively, while Gidado Toheeb and Hannafi Babatunde kept the visiting backline under constant pressure.

Their bright start yielded results in just seven minutes. A slick exchange saw Aimufua deliver a precise pass into the path of Aule, who calmly slotted home to hand Kwara United an early advantage and spark hopes of a crucial victory.

Buoyed by the opener, the hosts maintained control for much of the first half, carving out additional chances but lacking the cutting edge required to double their lead. That inability to kill off the contest would later prove costly.

After the restart, the momentum gradually shifted. The visitors began to assert themselves, particularly from set-piece situations, testing the resolve of the Kwara defence. Despite tactical adjustments from Coach Ashifat Suleiman aimed at restoring first-half intensity, Kwara United struggled to regain full control.

The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute when Luiz Dadong capitalised on a defensive lapse to draw the visitors level, silencing the home crowd and altering the complexion of the encounter.

There was further controversy late on. In the 86th minute, Toheeb Gidado went down inside the penalty area under pressure, prompting loud appeals for a spot kick.

However, the centre referee adjudged the foul to have occurred outside the box, awarding a free kick instead, a decision that compounded the hosts’ frustration.

The final whistle confirmed another setback in Kwara United’s fight for survival. Sitting 18th with 28 points from 25 matches, the Harmony Boys now turn their attention to a daunting outstanding fixture against Rivers United on Wednesday — a clash that could significantly shape their relegation battle.

For Kwara United, the margins are thinning, and every missed opportunity now carries heavier consequences.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 26: Late Setback Compounds Kwara United’s Survival Fight

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