NPFL Slams Kwara United With Heavy Sanctions Over Security Breaches

Kwara United F.C. have been hit with a series of sanctions for breaching the framework and rules of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) during their Matchday 22 rearranged fixture on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The match, held at the Kwara State Stadium, was marred by serious security lapses and crowd disturbances involving supporters of the Ilorin-based club.

According to the League’s findings, Kwara United failed to provide adequate and effective security, which resulted in unauthorized individuals gaining access to restricted areas.

The club was also found culpable for failing to ensure proper conduct of its supporters, leading to harassment and physical assaults on match officials and officials of Rivers United F.C.

Supporters reportedly invaded restricted zones and assaulted match officials and Rivers United representatives, causing bodily harm and bringing the game into disrepute through unsporting behaviour.

The NPFL imposed the following fines:

₦2,000,000 for failing to provide adequate and effective security.
₦1,000,000 for failure to control supporters.
₦2,000,000 for assault on match officials and Rivers United officials.

₦1,000,000 for unsporting behaviour.
₦1,000,000 for holding match officials and Rivers United officials hostage for several hours.
₦2,000,000 as compensatory costs for medical treatment and damages.

Total financial sanction: ₦9,000,000.

In addition to the financial penalties, the League has deducted three points and three goals from Kwara United’s accrued tally for the assaults on match officials.

The club will also play their remaining home matches at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.

Kwara United have been ordered to identify supporters involved in the assaults for arrest and prosecution, with evidence of compliance required.

The club has 48 hours from the date of notice to file an appeal against the sanctions.

The NPFL reiterated its commitment to protecting match officials and maintaining discipline, stressing that acts of violence and disorder will attract severe consequences to preserve the integrity of Nigerian football.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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