It was an epoch-making event at the Rashidi Yekini Main-Bowl of the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin, on Tuesday June 23 2026, as Kwara-born professional footballers converged for the maiden edition of the Harmony Stars Showcase novelty match.

Regarded as one of the biggest gatherings of football stars from the state, the thrilling encounter attracted a large crowd of football fans, supporters, stakeholders, and family members.

A game of two contrasting halves, the home-based players drew first blood when Noah Razaq gave his side the lead in the first half.

The foreign-based team, however, fought back after the break, with Isaac James, a forward with Burgan SC of Kuwait, restoring parity in the second half.

The match was filled with suspense and excitement, with both teams creating several scoring opportunities.

Kwara United’s experienced goalkeeper, Boje Abdullahi, who stood between the sticks for the foreign-based side, produced a series of brilliant saves to deny the home-based players, ultimately forcing the game into a penalty shootout.

The foreign-based team eventually emerged victorious, winning the shootout 4-3 to claim bragging rights over their counterparts.

The maiden edition of the Harmony Stars Showcase has now established a platform through which Kwara-born professional footballers can converge annually, fostering unity, networking, and stronger bonds among players across different leagues and countries.

Russia-based Super Eagles forward Olakunle Olusegun, Ayodeji Bamidele, who recently helped Power Dynamos lift the 2025/2026 Zambia MTN Super League title, and Greece-based Mubarak Gata, Owolabi Aremu, and Isaac James were among the notable names who featured for the foreign-based side.

For the home-based team, 2025/2026 NPFL champion with Rangers International, Abdullateef Ishola, was in goal. The side was largely dominated by Kwara United stars, including Captain Abdulhafeez Musa Olororo, Shola Abdulraheem, Muhammad Alao, Issa Gata, and Abia Warriors midfielder Yakubu Hammed, among other football stars who graced the Rashidi Yekini Main-Bowl of the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

Organisers and participants expressed optimism that the event would continue to grow in stature and become a major fixture on the state’s football calendar in the years ahead.