Kwara United beat ElKanemi Warriors 2-0 in Ilorin
Kwara United secured a 2-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in one of the late kickoff games of NPFL Matchday 22 at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl of the George Innih Stadium on Monday. The win propelled the Harmony Boys to 10th place on the league table.
Despite an early scare from El-Kanemi, who wasted several chances, Kwara United gradually settled into the game with Junior Aimufua’s early attempt denied by the opposition’s defense.
The hosts were without Adekunle Segun, who missed the match due to a suspension from accumulated yellow cards. However, Kabir Muhammed and Yahaya Ibrahim held the defensive line well, neutralizing threats from the visitors.
Kwara United turned defense into attack in the 39th minute when Akanni Akeem delivered a well-calculated long pass to Junior Aimufua, whose precise cross was met by Wasiu Alalade, sending the stadium into wild jubilation as the home side took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half saw both teams pushing for more goals. In the 63rd minute, Shola AbdulRaheem struck a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar. Junior Aimufua later appealed for a penalty in the 73rd minute after being fouled, but the referee waved play on.
However, the moment of the match came when substitute Wasiu Jimoh showcased his experience and talent. He received a pass from Junior Aimufua and unleashed a thunderous strike from just a few meters beyond the center circle, sealing a 2-0 victory for Kwara United.
Speaking to the media after the match, Coach Tunde Sanni expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, emphasizing that securing maximum points is more important than just playing well.
“With the inclusion of experienced players, we will continue to build and improve as the NPFL progresses,” he remarked.
Kwara United now sit 10th on the NPFL table with 29 points from 21 games. Their next match is against Ikorodu City this weekend at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
