Kwara United on Sunday waited until the 70th minute before substitute Samad Kadiri scored the winner in 1-0 win over Lobi Stars in NPFL match-day 11 tie.
Coach Abdullahi Biffo and his men would have themselves to blame not to have sealed the win in the first half as they had two clear chances against the visitors from Makurdi.
Having gotten a 1-1 draw in Uyo against Akwa United in match-day 10 battle, Kwara United players knew that it was a must for them to get a win against Lobi Stars in Ilorin, but they did not find it rosy.
Lobi Stars started the match with a defensive style and they had no shot on target in the first 45 minutes at the Kwara state stadium.
Abdullahi Biffo decided to bring on Stephen Jude and Samad Kadiri in the second half, and the former Enyimba striker gave his side the breakthrough in the 70th minute.
After conceding a goal in Ilorin, Lobi Stars then decided to attack Kwara United, and they almost got an equalizer at the death, but Musa Abdulafeez cleared the danger for his side as Harmony Boys won 1-0.
Speaking after the match, Kwara United chief coach Ashifat Sulyman expressed happiness for the win even though he was not impressed with the chances missed.
“The most important thing is that we got the win against Lobi Stars and we will correct all the things that need corrections before our next game,” Ashifat Sulyman explained to Kwara United Media.
As things stand presently on the NPFL table, Kwara United are now occupying 5th position after 11 games and will be traveling to face Katsina United in next game.
In the other matches across the country, captain Junior Nduka scored a sublime free kick as Remo Stars defeated 3SC 1-0 in their South West derby in Ikenne on Sunday.
Nduka fired home in the 62nd minute to hand the hosts maximum points in the game.
Gbenga Ogunbote’s side now occupy top spot on the table with 23 points from 11 matches.
Rivers United dropped to second position after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Plateau United in Jos.
Jesse Akila netted the decisive goal in the 33rd minute.
It was Rivers United’s first defeat of the season.
In Ijebu Ode, Enyimba recorded their first away win of the campaign overcoming their hosts Sunshine Stars 1-0.
Victor Mbaoma scored the winning goal for the Peoples Elephant two minutes after the break.
Holders Akwa United were held to 0-0 draw by MFM, while the game between Wikki Tourists and Rangers also ended goalless.
In Minna, Niger Tornadoes edged out Katsina United 2-1.
