Federation Cup champions, Kwara United suffered a disappointing 3–1 defeat to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Remo Stars in a Matchday 31 encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday.
The Harmony Boys made a bright start and took the lead in the 34th minute through Ibrahim Yahaya, who finished off a swift counter-attack after receiving a well-timed pass from Junior Aimufua.
However, the lead lasted just four minutes as Ahmed Akinyele restored parity for the hosts in the 38th minute, ensuring both sides went into the break level.
But before the break, Kwara United had a golden opportunity to regain the lead in added time of first half when Aimufua was brought down in the penalty area, earning the visitors a spot-kick. Unfortunately, Ini Emmanuel Okon failed to convert from the penalty, leaving the score at 1–1.
Remo Stars returned for the second half with renewed intensity, dominating proceedings and dictating the tempo of the game. Their persistence paid off with two quick goals—Haruna Hadi struck in the 70th minute before Victor Mbaoma extended the lead just three minutes later to seal the victory.
Speaking after the match, Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman expressed his disappointment with the result, highlighting the missed penalty as a key turning point.
“We were punished for not scoring the penalty, which could have been a turning point for us. It’s disappointing,” he said.
Kwara United will now shift focus to their next fixtures, where they are scheduled to play back-to-back home games against Nasarawa United and El-Kanemi Warriors as they aim to bounce back from the defeat.
The champions, on the other hand, will have to make the long trip to the Northeast to face El-Kanemi on Matchweek 32 before returning to their Remo Stars Stadium to play hosts to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in the Southwest Derby.