People’s Elephant Slip In Lagos As Kwara United Boost Survival Hopes

 

Enyimba FC’s hopes of sealing their NPFL status with a game to spare suffered a setback on Sunday evening as the nine time champions fell 2-0 to Kwara United in their Matchday 37 encounter decided at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

In a contest that promised fireworks, it was the Harmony Boys who struck early and decisively, capitalising on defensive lapses to claim all three points and strengthen their survival push.

Kwara United forward Babatunde Bright proved the difference on the night, firing a first half brace that stunned the People’s Elephant and ultimately settled the tie. Bright opened the scoring as early as the 4th minute, punishing a slack moment at the back, before doubling his tally in the 29th minute after Enyimba failed to heed the warning from the first goal.

Despite going two goals down, Enyimba tried to respond with composure, dominating possession and pushing numbers forward in search of a lifeline.

However, wastefulness in front of goal haunted the Nigerian giants, as a series of glaring chances went begging.

Club top scorer Chidera Michael, Wonah Williams, and second-half substitute Samuel Okechukwu were all guilty of missing opportunities that could have swung the momentum. Chidera came closest in the second half but shockingly failed to convert from inside the six yard box after a delightful cut back by Williams.

Coach Emmanuel Deutsch intensified the pressure after the restart, introducing fresh legs with Samuel Okechukwu and Idris Abubakar adding urgency and spark to the attacking play. The teenager, Samuel Okechukwu was particularly unlucky, hitting the woodwork and registering near misses as Enyimba poured forward in waves.

But despite their dominance and attacking intent, the People’s Elephant were denied by poor finishing and a resilient Kwara United Goalkeeper, as the Ilorin based side held firm to claim a crucial victory, arguably against the run of play.

The defeat leaves Enyimba with everything to fight for heading into the final matchday on May 24th 2026. Following the conclusion of all Matchday 37 fixtures played simultaneously across various centres, Enyimba dropped to 14th position on the NPFL standings with 46 points and a minus one goal difference.

The Aba giants will now turn their attention to a decisive final day clash against Elkanemi Warriors, where a victory will guarantee safety and secure NPFL survival.