2024/25 NPFL: Kwara United records first win, condemns Remo Stars to their first loss of the season

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Kwara United secured their first win of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Remo Stars on Sunday.

The match, played at the Kwara Stadium Complex, saw Remo Stars suffer their first loss after four straight wins.

Shola Abdulraheem’s goal in the 56th minute proved to be the match-winner. His strike was enough to break the deadlock and edge out a determined Remo Stars side.

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Kwara United began the game strongly, with Wasiu Alalade, Akeem Akanni, and Junior Aimufa pressuring the visitors into a defensive stance. Their best chance in the first half came in the 39th minute, but Akanni’s poor finishing denied them the lead.

Before that, goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus had saved his side from disaster when a mix-up with Saheed Olaniyi nearly resulted in a costly mistake. Despite this scare, Kwara United maintained their composure as the half ended goalless.

Early in the second half, Remo Stars were reduced to ten men when former Kwara United player Sani Faisal was sent off for a reckless tackle on Aimufa. This red card gave the hosts a numerical advantage and increased their chances of controlling the game.

Despite the advantage, Kwara United struggled to convert their opportunities, lacking sharpness in the final third. Meanwhile, Remo Stars continued to push forward in their numbers as they struggled to break down the Afonja Warriors‘ defense.

The match saw a tense moment when Saheed Olaniyi collapsed after heading clear a dangerous free-kick. The medical team rushed in, and thankfully, Olaniyi recovered after a brief scare.

As the game intensified, both teams made substitutions, seeking fresh legs to shift the game’s momentum. Kwara United worked hard to protect their slim lead, while the Sky Blue Stars fought hard for an equaliser.

Late in the game, Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi pulled off a series of key saves, keeping the scoreline respectable. His efforts ensured the visitors didn’t concede more goals in the closing stages.

For Kwara United, this hard-fought victory builds on their 1-1 draw with Bayelsa United in the previous round. The win lifts them to 13th place, as they now prepare for a trip to face Abia Warriors on matchday six.

Tags: Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Kwara United, Remo Stars, 2024/25, Shola Abdulraheem, Wasiu Alalade, Akeem Akanni, Junior Aimufa, Nurudeen Badmus, Saheed Olaniyi, Sani Faisal, Sky Blue Stars, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcsports.