A rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 22 fixture turned into a scene of chaos on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. While Rivers United secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Kwara United, the match was marred by severe crowd violence. The hostility left visiting players and officials trapped inside their dressing room long after the final whistle.
Rivers United entered the game fresh from continental duties. Having missed a month of domestic action, they had slipped to third place behind Ikorodu City and Enugu Rangers. Despite having several games in hand, the pressure was on for the “Pride of Rivers” to regain their momentum.
Match Highlights: A Tale of Two Halves
Kwara United started the match with high intensity at the Kwara State Stadium. They tested Rivers’ goalkeeper, Osagie Onisodumeya, in the opening minutes. Rivers United eventually found their footing. In the 27th minute, Nnaji nearly broke the deadlock, but Kwara’s goalkeeper, Suraj Ayeleso, produced a vital save.
The breakthrough for the hosts arrived in the 31st minute. Shamsudeen Muhammed latched onto a well-placed ball over the defense and slotted it past Onisodumeya. This gave Kwara United a 1-0 lead and energized the home crowd.
Rivers United’s Pursuit of an Equalizer
In the second half, the Finidi George-led side increased the pressure. Chijioke Mbaoma and Maclyn Obiokpo both had significant chances to level the score but failed to find the target. As the clock ticked down, it appeared Kwara United would secure three points to aid their relegation battle.
Everything changed in the third minute of stoppage time. Ayeleso failed to secure a cross, dropping the ball in the box. Boluwaji Sholumade pounced on the error to bundle the ball home, making it 1-1.
Post-Match Violence and Safety Concerns
The late equalizer triggered immediate aggression from sections of the home support. Reports and videos from the stadium revealed a harrowing scene:
- Attack on Officials: Rivers United General Manager, Okey Kpalukwu, was reportedly assaulted and lost consciousness before being revived.
- Referee Targeted: Angry fans were seen pursuing the referee immediately after he ended the game.
- Team Stranded: Rivers United players and staff remained barricaded in their dressing room for over 45 minutes as fans rioted in the stadium precincts.
League Standings and Potential Sanctions
This result keeps Rivers United in third place with 42 points. They are only two points behind the leaders, Ikorodu City, with four games still in hand. For Kwara United, the situation is increasingly dire. The team has won only one of their last eight matches and remains stuck in the relegation zone.
| Team | Points | Status |
| Ikorodu City | 44 | 1st Place |
| Rivers United | 42 | 3rd Place (4 games in hand) |
| Kwara United | 29 | Relegation Zone |
| Remo Stars | 27 | Relegation Zone |
Impending Penalties
The NPFL has maintained a zero-tolerance policy regarding fan violence this season. Kwara United now faces the possibility of severe disciplinary action. Potential sanctions include:
- Heavy Fines: Financial penalties for failing to provide adequate security.
- Stadium Bans: Playing future home matches behind closed doors or at neutral venues.
- Points Deduction: A penalty that could effectively seal their relegation to the lower division.
Conclusion: A Dark Day for Nigerian Football
As of Wednesday night, the NPFL had not yet released an official statement. However, the severity of the attacks in Ilorin suggests that the league body will act swiftly. While Rivers United celebrates a hard-fought point, the safety of players and officials remains the most urgent concern for the Nigerian football community.
