BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT IN OWERRI
KUN KHALIFAT 1
(Amaefula 52’)
KWARA UNITED 0
THE Pride of Imo have finally found their roar! In a pulsating encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Kun Khalifat proved they are ready to fight for their NPFL lives, snapping a soul-crushing seven-game winless streak with a gritty 1-0 victory over Kwara United.
The man of the hour? None other than the captain himself, Chikamso Amaefula.
After a cagey first half where both sides traded blows like heavyweights in the final round, it was Amaefula who stepped into the spotlight. In the 52nd minute, the skipper found space in the box and unleashed a strike that left Kwara’s veteran keeper, Suraj Ayeleso, clutching at thin air.
While the captain took the headlines, this was a victory forged in the fires of a mid-season rebuild.
The “new-look” Khalifat featured high-profile debutants who looked every bit the part:
Damilola Salami: The former Warri Wolves star was a constant menace on the wing, providing the pace that Kwara’s defense simply couldn’t handle.
James Ebuka: The dynamic ball-winner sat in the middle of the park like a sentry, breaking up play and shielding the backline.
Chikamso Amaefula: Beyond his goal, his leadership marshaled a defense that has leaked goals like a rusty bucket in recent weeks.
HARMONY BOYS OUT OF TUNE
For Kwara United, the “Harmony Boys” looked anything but harmonious. Despite the attacking efforts of Adeshina Gata and the creative spark of Johnmark Atule, they couldn’t find a way past the inspired Khalifat defense.
Coach Ashifat Suleiman was left scratching his head as his side’s search for their first goal of the second stanza continues.
The win doesn’t move Kun Khalifat off the bottom of the table yet, but with 22 points and a renewed sense of belief, the great escape is officially on.
For Kwara United, the loss sees them slide further into the murky waters of the relegation zone.
KUN KHALIFAT: Nsikak-Abong, Amaefula, Lekan, Ameh, Ikechukwu, Ebuka, Salami, Owolabi, Iyamu, Onuoha, Ebetomame.
KWARA UNITED: Ayeleso, Ibrahim, Ogunribide, Gbadamosi, Salawudeen, Ozor, Atule, Gidado, Gata, Jimoh, Obiora.
