Kwara United edged Niger Tornadoes 2–0 on Sunday, securing bragging rights in their North Central derby clash in the Nigeria Premier Football League, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Ilorin side, who lost out to Barau FC in Kano last match day, came into this Match Day 16 fixture needing all three points, having failed to beat Shooting Stars in the previous home game. As for Tornadoes, they have been flying high this season, and after beating Remo Stars in Minna last Saturday, they were confident of another good outing on the road.
It was the hosts who came out of the blocks flying, as the likes of Toyeeb Gidado, Philip Ozor and Victor Adeyinka controlled the midfield for Ashifat Suleiman’s side. Off a throw-in from Seun Ogunribide, Kwara United thought they had taken the lead, but the referee waved play on as it was unclear at first glance.
In the 15th minute, Ozor played a wonderful ball to the feet of Babatunde Bright, the bulky forward then held his marker, turned before firing brilliantly past Tornadoes’ goalkeeper for the game’s opening goal. Kwara United continued to dominate the game with Gidado and Ibrahim Yahaya going close moments later.
However, the home side would eventually double their lead in the last ten minutes of the half. A wicked long throw-in from Ogunribide was turned by Tornadoes skipper Abba Khalid into his own net in the 37th minute. It was a well-deserved lead for the Harmony Boys, who still struck the woodwork through Gidado on the stroke of half-time.
Apart from glittering chances that Kwara United’s Junior Aimufua missed, the second half was an uneventful one as the home team returned to winning ways for the first time in five league games.
In Abeokuta, Victor Mbaoma’s double gave Remo Stars a 2-1 win over Enyimba. Former Remo Stars forward Edidiong Ezekiel scored for the Aba side. In Katsina, Kano Pillars also edged Kun Khalifat 2-1. Rabiu Ali scored a brace, while Ebuka Nwokorie scored for the Pride of Imo.
The match between Elkanemi and Barau FC in Maiduguri ended goalless, and the same outcome occurred between Wikki Tourists and Ikorodu City in Bauchi. In Umuahia, it ended 1-1 between Abia Warriors and Rivers United. Maclyn Biokpo put the visitors ahead in the dying embers of the game, only for Suraju Lawal to snatch a late equaliser for the home side.
Rangers were the biggest winners of the day as they thumped Bayelsa United 4-1 in Enugu. In Fidelis Ilechukwu‘s first game since his return, the 2024 champions made light work of the visitors with goals from Chidozie Iwundu(brace), Kenechukwu Agu – who scored in a third league game in a row – and Chimobi Igwilo. Isah Yusuf scored Bayelsa United’s only goal.
The remaining two games of the match day between Katsina United and Bendel Insurance, and Nasarawa United and Shooting Stars will be played on Monday.
