The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is expected to hand down stringent disciplinary measures against Kwara United after violent scenes erupted following their home draw with Rivers United on Wednesday. The turmoil began immediately after Boluwaji Sholumade netted a dramatic late equalizer for the visitors, canceling out Kwara’s lead and sparking outrage among the home supporters. In the ensuing mayhem, irate fans stormed the pitch to assault match officials and barricaded the exits to prevent the visiting squad from safely vacating the arena.
The hostility extended to high-ranking league administrators, as angry supporters reportedly attacked Okey Kpalukwu, the General Manager of Rivers United and Chairman of Chairmen for the NPFL. Reports indicate that the atmosphere at the Kwara State Stadium turned perilous within minutes of the final whistle, forcing security personnel to intervene as players and officials sought refuge from the advancing crowd. This incident marks a significant breach of the league’s safety protocols, which the NPFL has aggressively enforced throughout the 2025/2026 season to curb hooliganism.
“Kwara United are expected to be sanctioned heavily by the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, following the violence that marred their home clash with Rivers United on Wednesday. Violence erupted after Rivers United scored a late equaliser through David Sholumade. The home fans attacked match officials and prevented visiting players from leaving the stadium. Rivers United’s General Manager, Okey Kpalukwu was also attacked by the angry supporters. The NPFL has sanctioned clubs this season, and banished them from their home ground due to the violent conduct of their fans. Kwara United are currently battling relegation, and banishing the team from Ilorin, could further affect their chances of survival,” the report detailed.
The league governing body has already established a precedent this year by imposing heavy fines and relocating the home matches of offending clubs to neutral venues. For the “Harmony Boys,” such a development would prove catastrophic as they currently languish in the relegation zone. Losing the psychological and tactical advantage of their Ilorin home ground could severely undermine their desperate bid to remain in the top flight, especially with only a dozen games left in the current campaign.
Kwara United’s management released a statement on Thursday morning expressing deep regret over the actions of “irrational elements” and offered a formal apology to the Rivers United delegation. However, with the NPFL maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward official intimidation and physical assault, the club now awaits a formal ruling from the disciplinary committee. Analysts predict the sanctions will likely include a multi-million naira fine, a closed-door stadium mandate, or total banishment to a distant neutral venue for the remainder of the season.
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