Yahaya Ibrahim stars as Kwara United beat Remo Stars for first win of the season
Kwara United secured their first win of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over previously unbeaten Remo Stars on Sunday, October 6, 2024, in Ilorin. Blessed Stars Academy product Yahaya Ibrahim, making his second start for Kwara United after a strong debut performance against Bayelsa United, played a key role in helping Coach Tunde Sanni’s side claim the crucial win.
Shola Abdulraheem’s 56th-minute solo effort proved to be the match-winner for Kwara United, as the Harmony Boys handed the Ikenne-based Remo Stars their first defeat of the season. The visitors had entered the game on the back of four consecutive wins but were unable to find a way past Kwara United’s resilient defense.
Kwara United started brightly, with Wasiu Alalade, Akanni Akeem, and Junior Aimufa posing constant threats to Remo Stars’ defense. The home side nearly took the lead in the 39th minute, but Akanni Akeem’s poor finish wasted a golden opportunity.
Goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus was called into action earlier when a miscommunication with defender Saheed Olaniyi almost led to disaster, but he managed to avert the danger. In the second half, Kwara United continued to press, buoyed by their solid first-half performance.
The turning point came when Remo Stars were reduced to 10 men, as Sani Faisal, a former Kwara United player, was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Junior Aimufa. The numerical advantage gave Kwara United the upper hand, and it wasn’t long before Abdulraheem’s curling strike found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock in the 56th minute.
Remo Stars, despite being down to 10 men, continued to push for an equaliser, but Kwara United’s defense, which featured the impressive Yahaya Ibrahim at right-back, stood firm. The match also witnessed a frightening moment when Saheed Olaniyi went unconscious after heading off a free kick, prompting the stadium to fall silent as medical staff rushed to his aid. Fortunately, Olaniyi was revived and able to continue.
As both teams introduced fresh legs in a bid to change the dynamics of the game, Kwara United held on to their slender lead. Remo Stars’ goalkeeper made a series of crucial saves late in the game to prevent the hosts from extending their advantage, but Kwara United’s solid defensive display ensured they claimed all three points.
The victory lifted Kwara United to 13th place on the NPFL table, giving them much-needed momentum as they prepare to face Abia Warriors in matchday six. Meanwhile, Remo Stars’ unbeaten streak came to an end, with Rivers United overtaking them at the top of the table with 13 points, leaving Remo Stars in second place with 12 points.
The win marks a turning point for Kwara United, who built on their 1-1 draw against Bayelsa United and showed that they are capable of challenging even the league’s top teams
