Kwara United’s hopes of escaping the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) relegation zone have received a significant lift with the return to fitness of versatile forward Junior Aimufua. The attacker, who has been sidelined by a nagging injury since February, has successfully completed his rehabilitation and is expected to feature in the high-stakes Matchday 31 encounter against Remo Stars this Sunday. His inclusion comes at a critical juncture for the “Harmony Boys,” as they prepare for a difficult trip to the Gateway Stadium in Ikenne.
Aimufua’s presence in the final third has been a vital component of Kwara United’s tactical setup this season, with the forward racking up 22 appearances prior to his stint in the treatment room. During that period, he contributed three goals and two assists, providing a level of offensive output that the Ilorin-based side has struggled to replicate in his absence. With the club currently battling to climb out of the league’s bottom tier, head coach Suleiman Ashifat will be looking to Aimufua’s energy and clinical touch to unlock a disciplined Remo Stars defense.
While the return of Aimufua provides a psychological and tactical edge, the squad remains hampered by the ongoing absence of key defensive and midfield options. Both Saheed Olaniyi and Alao Mohammed have been ruled out of the Sunday fixture as they continue to recover from their respective injuries. The medical team has confirmed that while both players are making progress, the Ikenne trip comes too soon for their inclusion in the traveling party, forcing the coaching staff to once again reshuffle their starting lineup.
Atsuku’s return is particularly timely given the pedigree of the opposition. Despite their own struggles this term, Remo Stars remain a formidable force at home, and the “Harmony Boys” will need their most experienced campaigners on the pitch to secure a positive result. Drawing from his previous stints at established NPFL sides like Lobi Stars and Yobe Desert Stars, Aimufua brings a level of top-flight maturity that could prove decisive in a high-pressure environment. For Kwara United, the mission is simple: leverage this reinforcement to spark a late-season survival run.
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