NPFL: Kwara United Coach Reveals Why the Club Struggled During the 2025/26 Season
Kwara United Technical Adviser, Ashifat Suleiman, has opened up on the major reason behind the club’s difficult 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign, insisting that the sanctions imposed on the team played a significant role in their relegation battle.
The Harmony Boys endured a frustrating season and only secured their NPFL status on the final day after a tense fight to avoid relegation.
Home Ground Ban Hurt Kwara United’s Season
According to Suleiman, the club’s troubles began after supporters invaded the pitch during the rescheduled Matchday 22 league fixture against Rivers United in Ilorin.
Following the incident, the NPFL handed Kwara United heavy sanctions, including a ₦9 million fine, a three-point deduction, and an order to play the remainder of their home matches away from Ilorin.
The club was forced to relocate its home games to the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, losing the advantage of playing in front of its home supporters.
Speaking to journalists, Suleiman said the punishment disrupted the team’s momentum and placed enormous pressure on everyone involved with the club.
“If not for the pitch invasion that cost us three points and a three-goal deduction last season, things could have been different,” Suleiman said.
He added that many people overlooked how damaging the sanctions were to the team’s campaign.
Constant Travel Added Financial and Physical Pressure
Suleiman explained that being forced to play home fixtures outside Ilorin affected both the club’s finances and the players’ performances.
Instead of enjoying the comfort of playing and recovering at home, the squad had to travel regularly, creating additional expenses and fatigue throughout the season.
“The sanctions forced us to play our home matches away from Ilorin, yet very few people talk about the impact that had on the club.”
“It placed the management under immense financial pressure and meant the players and officials were constantly travelling instead of enjoying the advantage of playing and resting at home.”
According to the coach, those factors combined to make an already difficult season even more challenging.
Kwara United Escaped Relegation on the Final Day
Despite the setbacks, Kwara United managed to avoid relegation after securing enough points on the final day of the campaign.
The club will now look to put last season’s difficulties behind them as preparations continue for the new NPFL season, with Suleiman hoping the team can enjoy a more stable campaign free from off-field disruptions.
