By Our Sports Reporter
KWARA UNITED powered past Niger Tornadoes with a comfortable 2-0 victory in the NPFL yesterday, thanks in no small part to the electric atmosphere at their imposing home ground.
The match, a North-Central derby, took place at the storied Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin, a venue which proved once again to be a veritable fortress for the ‘Harmony Boys’.
The Ilorin Fortress in Full Voice
The 18,000-capacity Kwara State Stadium, often cited under its historical name, the George Innih Stadium, was rocking as the home crowd turned up in force to cheer their side on.
After a run of inconsistent results, Kwara United needed a big performance, and their fans delivered the vocal backing to match. The pitch, a natural grass surface which has been the focus of recent government upgrade efforts to meet NPFL standards, held up well, allowing the home side to play their attacking football.
First-half goals from Bright and Ogunribide secured the crucial three points, and the roar from the Ilorin faithful after the second goal in the 37th minute was deafening. The vibrant atmosphere clearly unsettled the visitors, who struggled to cope with the pressure both on and off the pitch.
The stadium, a multi-use complex, is more than just a football pitch; it’s a hub for Kwara State sport. For Kwara United, it’s a vital home advantage, and yesterday’s performance confirms that any team travelling to Ilorin faces a daunting test against the backdrop of one of Nigerian football’s most fervent followings.
The win sees Kwara United climb slightly up the congested NPFL table, giving them a much-needed boost as the season nears its midpoint.
