Kwara United Football Club today, Sunday December 7, 2025, returned to winning ways with a dominant 2–0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in the Matchday 16 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), decided at the Rashidi Yekini Main-Bowl, George Agbazika Innih Stadium, Ilorin.
The Harmony Boys impressed and dominated Tornadoes from the blast of the whistle to the final minute, creating numerous chances, especially in the second half.
Barely three minutes into the encounter, Kwara United came close through a long throw-in from Seun Ogunribide, which was flicked goalward and appeared to cross the line, but the referee allowed play to continue as there was no signal from the Assistant Referee.
Their persistent attacking play soon paid off, as Babatunde Bright finished off a fine move to give the hosts a deserved lead in the 15th minute.
Kwara United sustained their excellent rhythm, with Philip Ozor, Victor Adeoye, and Toheeb Gidado keeping the visitors under constant pressure.
In the 37th minute, Ogunribide’s trademark long throw once again caused problems in the Tornadoes’ defence, taking a deflection into the net to double the lead and send the home crowd into jubilation.
Gidado almost made it 3–0 on the stroke of halftime, but his brilliant solo effort rattled the crossbar.
The second half saw the Harmony Boys continue their dominance, with Junior Aimufua coming close twice but failing to convert clear opportunities.
Despite several tactical substitutions by the technical crew in what was largely a one-sided contest, Kwara United missed further chances to extend the lead.
The crucial win ends a three-year winless home run against the Ikon Allah Boys.
Speaking after the match, Coach Ashifat Suleiman expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, noting that the players showed great character and were further boosted by the return of some previously injured stars.
Toheeb Gidado was rewarded for his standout performance, earning the Cyteck and Ambassador Yahaya Seriki Man of the Match awards.
Kwara United now sit 10th on the NPFL log with 21 points from 16 matches, and will next face Enyimba International next Sunday in Aba.
Meanwhile, Toheeb Gidado has expressed disbelief after his goal-bound effort rattled the crossbar late in the first half of Kwara United’s Matchday 16 NPFL encounter against Niger Tornadoes on Sunday in Ilorin.
Gidado, who delivered an impressive performance throughout his 75 minutes on the pitch, was rewarded with the Cyteck Man of the Match award sponsored by Engr. Ahmed Olaide, as well as the Ambassador Seriki MOTM award powered by Coach Usman Abdullahi Biffo, in honour of Ambassador Yahaya Seriki.
Speaking after receiving his awards, Gidado said he was confident that Kwara United’s recent run of scoring two unreplied goals would further strengthen the team’s attacking momentum.
“I’m pained that I couldn’t get on the score sheet today, but the two goals will definitely boost our scoring form going forward,” he stated.
