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Rivers United vs Kwara United – NPFL MD 2 Preview Kwara United Football Club will this Sunday be guests to Rivers United in Matchday 2 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt. The Harmony Boys began their campaign at home last weekend with a goalless draw against Ikorodu City. Despite several shots on target and an impressive display, they were denied by the brilliance of goalkeeper Michael Atata, who stood out for the visitors. Kwara United and Rivers United have clashed frequently in recent times. Their latest meeting came at the ValueJet Preseason Tournament, where the Harmony Boys secured a narrow 1–0 victory courtesy of new signing Gidado Toheeb’s strike. Approaching MD 2 with renewed hope, Kwara United will be looking to build on their encouraging performance in Ilorin. Coach Tunde Sanni is, however, expected to make changes to the starting lineup, with Saheed Olaniyi and Akanni Akeem missing out due to injury and not part of...

Kwara’s 173 Athletes Set for Battle in 24 Sports at 2025 Youth Games in Asaba A 253-member contingent from Kwara State will depart Ilorin on Tuesday for the 9th National Youth Games, scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State, from August 26 to September 6, 2025. Briefing journalists on Monday at the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, the Director of Sports, Mallam Ibrahim Bako, disclosed that the team comprises 173 athletes who will compete in 24 sporting events. He emphasized that all athletes were carefully selected based on merit and in line with the rules of the organising committee. Mallam Bako reaffirmed the state’s commitment to surpassing its previous achievements, adding that the athletes will justify the investment of the present administration in sports development with podium finishes. Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, charged the contingent to be good ambassadors of the state by strictly adhering to the rules of the Games an...

Igbomina Professional Association raises alarm over rising insecurity, calls for urgent collective action The Igbomina Professional Association expresses deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity threatening villages, families, and communities across Igbomina land and Kwara South. In a statement issued today by the President of the Association,  Barr. Bode Iranloye, Esq., the Association acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, as well as the Chairmen of the Igbomina Local Government Areas (Ifelodun, Irepodun, Isin, and Ekiti LGAs), alongside security agencies, for the steps taken so far to address security challenges in the region. However, the Association notes that more coordinated, sustainable, and community-driven actions are urgently required to stem the tide of insecurity. The Association describes the trend as a recurring menace undermining peace, agriculture, commerce, and the ...

 Cyteck Celebrates Abdulraheem’s Brilliance with MOTM Award Shola Abdulraheem has scooped the Cyteck Man of the Match award in the NPFL Matchday 1 clash between Kwara United and Ikorodu City. Shola’s impressive performance caught the eye, with three of his goal-bound shots brilliantly saved by Ikorodu City goalkeeper, Atata Michael. His relentless attacking play constantly unsettled the visitors’ backline, creating several dangerous moments for Kwara United. Speaking after receiving the award, Shola thanked the sponsor and assured fans that the team would keep improving as the league progresses. Meanwhile, the sponsor of the award, Engr. Ahmed Olaide , pledged to sustain his commitment to the development of Kwara United through the Man of the Match sponsorship. He noted that the initiative is part of his way of giving back to the community.

 NPFL 2025/26: Harmony Boys Eye Winning Start in Ilorin Kwara United Head Coach, Tunde Sanni, has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for their NPFL Matchday 1 clash against Ikorodu City scheduled for Sunday in Ilorin. Speaking at the pre-match press conference at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Centre, Ilorin, Coach Sanni emphasized that building on their strong form from the ValueJet Preseason Tournament remains a priority. > “Ikorodu City is not a pushover; they are one of the strongest teams in the league. However, we are determined to secure maximum points here in Ilorin on Sunday,” Coach Sanni said. He also called for the unwavering support of fans, emphasizing that the players are disciplined and committed to adhering to the ethical standards set by the league body. Also speaking at the conference, Club Captain Afeez Musa Olororo affirmed that the Harmony Boys are both physically and mentally ready for the challenge, urging supporters to rally behind the team for the sea...

 NPFL Cracks Down on Clubs: ₦1m Fine for Skipping Post-Match Conferences The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced that any club whose head coach fails to attend the mandatory post-match press conference will face a ₦1 million fine in the 2025/26 season. Chief Operating Officer Davison Owumi made this disclosure in Lafia during the NPFL preseason seminar for media officers, supporters’ club chairmen, and chief security officers. Owumi stressed the need for clubs to comply with global best practices in football, noting that head coaches—not assistants—must be present for post-match duties. > “Have you ever seen Pep Guardiola send his assistant to stand in for him after a game? From now on, post-match press conferences are strictly for the head coach,” he said. Also speaking, NPFL Director of Communications Harry Iwuala urged media officers to be creative and inject fresh ideas into promoting their clubs, describing such efforts as key to boosting the league’s visib...

Supporters Club Described as Vital to Team Beyond Singing and Drumming The Chairman of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, Mr. Vincent Okumagba, has emphasized that the role of supporters clubs goes far beyond singing, drumming, and electrifying the stadium. Mr. Okumagba made this assertion on Friday while delivering a lecture titled “The Power of Supporters Clubs: Enhancing the Matchday Experience” at the NPFL-organized pre-season seminar for media officers, supporters clubs, and Chief Security Officers in Lafia, Nasarawa State. He was represented at the event by his Vice Chairman, Mr. Peters Abraham. According to Mr. Peters, supporters clubs are the “12th player” on the pitch, creating a lively atmosphere and radiant ambience in the stadium to the admiration of the team. He noted that their duties also include ensuring the safety of spectators and safeguarding lives and property, which can be achieved through proper enlightenment and the right orientation. Mr. Peters further stressed t...

NFF President Affirms NPFL Season Kickoff for August 22 President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has reiterated that there will be no change to the kickoff date of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, which is scheduled to begin on August 22. Speaking on Friday in Lafia while declaring open the NPFL 2025/26 pre-season seminar, Gusau described it as a positive development that the league calendar now aligns with that of European clubs. He urged stakeholders to maintain their support for the Gbenga Elegbeleye-led board, which achieved the milestone.  “When we came on board, we had no choice but to opt for an abridged league. This paved the way for achieving uniformity, as our league ended in May last season. This season, too, we will start on August 22 as scheduled,” he said. The NFF President praised the NPFL board for amplifying the league’s profile to the international community and for their commitment to adopting global...

  ‘Curiosity Must Return to Journalism’ — Raliat Ibrahim Warns as Ilorin’s Digital Media Scene Expands In a sharp critique of today’s news culture, broadcast journalist and Mass Communication lecturer, Raliat Ibrahim, has warned that dwindling curiosity among Nigerian journalists is leaving the profession vulnerable in an era dominated by algorithm-driven content. Speaking on Sunday at the launch of Curious Television, a new online audio-visual platform in Ilorin, Ibrahim, who lectures at the Department of Mass Communication, Kwara State University, Malete, stressed that curiosity must once again drive news hunting and storytelling. “Like the name of the television, curiosity should drive journalism. It is the only way to survive the onslaught of a digital world ruled by algorithms,” she said. She lamented that audiences have changed, favouring short, unfiltered, and often sensational content churned out by citizen journalism. To remain credible, she urged professionals to embrace ...

AFA Football Academy schedules three friendly matches in Ilorin   AFA Football Academy, based in Lafiagi, in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State has scheduled a tour of Ilorin, where they are expected to play three friendly matches between August 15th to August 17th, 2025. The Academy, owned by US-based entrepreneur and ex-player, Aliyu Issa Aeidu, are expected to play against Kwara United Football Club, Abubakar Bukola Sàràkí Football Club and Kwara Football Academy.  AFA Football Academy was launched at the Lafiagi Township Stadium in February this year, to open up a footballing empowerment initiative for the youths.  It’s a new sports talent nurturing outfit with a dedication to cultivating local football talent and nurturing young individuals in their pursuit of professional aspirations, especially from the state. The team is expected to arrive Ilorin on Friday August 15, and depart on Monday August 18, after the friendly matches.  The Academy, since it's in...

Zeem Sports Arena Offa to Host Kwara United Ahead of ValueJet Preseason Tournament Kwara United Football Club is set to embark on a closed-door training camp at the Zeem Sports Arena in Offa ahead of their participation in the prestigious ValueJet Preseason Tournament in Ikenne. Speaking to the club media on Monday, the Club Chairman, Mr. Kumbi Titiloye, through the General Manager, Mallam Bashir Badawiy, confirmed that the arrangement was made possible by Aare Musbau Olalekan Olaniyi, who has provided full logistics and accommodation support for the team’s two-day stay — Tuesday and Wednesday — at the Offa-based facility. > “I’m pleased to announce that Aare Musbau Olalekan Olaniyi will host the Harmony Boys at his Zeem Sports Arena for closed training sessions ahead of the ValueJet tournament. This generous gesture underscores his unwavering commitment to the club’s project as we prepare for the new season,” the Chairman stated. During the stay at Zeem Sports Arena, Kwara United w...

Dan Amanan Gari Donates ₦200,000 to Support Edun Development Association Holiday Lessons The Dan Amanan Gari of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Abdulkadir Tunji Nagode, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the advancement of education with a generous donation of ₦200,000 to support the Edun Development Association (EDA) Holiday Lesson Programme. The donation was presented to the leadership of the association by Engr. Kale Aiyegun, a strong advocate for community development, who continues to show deep commitment to the growth of both the association and the Edun community at large. The EDA Holiday Lesson Programme, set to commence next week, is designed to engage and educate children and wards in the community during the holiday period, providing them with academic support and structured learning opportunities. In response, the leadership of Edun Development Association expressed profound gratitude to Alhaji Dr. Nagode for his thoughtful gesture, and assured that the funds would...