According to a report from SportsRation, Kwara United clinched their inaugural victory of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season in a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over the previously undefeated Remo Stars on Sunday, October 6, 2024, in Ilorin. Yahaya Ibrahim, a product of Blessed Stars Academy, who was making his second start for Kwara United following an impressive debut against Bayelsa United, played a pivotal role in assisting Coach Tunde Sanni’s team secure the vital win.

The decisive goal came in the 56th minute through a solo effort by Shola Abdulraheem, propelling Kwara United to victory and inflicting the first defeat of the season on Remo Stars, based in Ikenne. Despite entering the match on a four-game winning streak, the visitors were unable to breach Kwara United's resolute defense.

Kwara United exhibited a strong start, with Wasiu Alalade, Akanni Akeem, and Junior Aimufa constantly challenging Remo Stars' defense. The home team came close to breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute, but Akanni Akeem's missed opportunity squandered a prime chance.

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