Kwara United edge Plateau United 2-1 in Ilorin

Kwara United returned to winning ways on Thursday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Plateau United in their rescheduled Matchday 5 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, Ilorin.

The visitors started stronger, dictating play in the opening exchanges, but the Harmony Boys’ defense stood firm to keep them at bay. Just before halftime, Junior Aimufua broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, heading in Aliu Salaudeen’s precise freekick to hand Kwara United a 1-0 lead at the break.

Plateau United responded immediately after the restart, with Temitope Vincent drawing level in the 58th minute. Coach Tunde Sanni reacted swiftly, making key substitutions that introduced Afeez Bankole, Shola Abdulraheem, Wasiu Jimoh, and Chara Mubarak into the contest.

The changes paid off as Kwara United regained momentum, piling pressure on the Plateau defense through Seun Ogunribide’s dangerous long throws. Their persistence was rewarded in the 79th minute when Johnmark Aule calmly slotted home the decisive goal to seal the win.

After the match, Coach Sanni lauded his team’s fighting spirit and dismissed rumors of salary cuts or ultimatums. “As you can see, I received my full salary. If anything of that nature happens, it will be announced officially by our media unit, not outsiders,” he clarified.

Ogunribide’s commanding display in midfield earned him the Cyteck Man of the Match Award.

With the result, Kwara United now sit 7th on the log with 8 points from 5 games. The Harmony Boys will aim to continue their momentum when they host Abia Warriors on Sunday in Ilorin.

This report is credited to Kwara United’s media department