By Aderonke Ojo
Kwara United Football Club on Sunday narrowly lost 3–2 to Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, in a pulsating Matchday 15 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The game started slowly but soon gathered intensity as both sides displayed character and determination throughout the 90 minutes.
Barau took the lead in the 20th minute through Usman Maidubji, who converted a retaken free-kick after the Harmony Boys had committed an infringement. The initial attempt was saved, but the centre referee ordered a replay, which resulted in the opening goal.
Kwara United responded strongly and their dominance paid off in the 40th minute when Chibuzor Ogbodo Eze calmly slotted home the equaliser in a one-on-one situation, silencing the home supporters. However, three minutes later, Mohammed Umar restored Barau’s lead with a powerful header from a corner kick, sending the hosts into the break with a 2–1 advantage.
The Harmony Boys resumed the second half with renewed purpose and were rewarded when Barau’s goalkeeper committed a costly error, allowing Johnmark Aule to pounce and draw Kwara United level.
Kwara United continued to push for a winning goal, with the introduction of Akanni Akeem, Wasiu Jimoh, Jamiu Suleiman, and Afeez Musa adding energy and creativity to the team’s play. Junior Aimufua and Wasiu Jimoh came close, but their attempts went narrowly wide.
In the 64th minute, goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus produced a brilliant penalty save to keep Kwara United in the contest, denying Barau a chance to extend their lead.
Despite their effort and resilience, the Harmony Boys conceded in the final minute of regulation time, as Stanley Oganbor headed home the decisive goal in the 90th minute, leaving the Kwara United players crestfallen.
Head coach Ashifat Suleiman expressed disappointment over his team’s inability to convert their chances.
“We were punished for not taking our chances,” he remarked after the game.
Attention now shifts to Matchday 16, where Kwara United will host Niger Tornadoes next Sunday in Ilorin. The Harmony Boys have now dropped to 14th on the NPFL log after 15 matches.