The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) faced a significant incident of fan unrest on February 18, 2026, during a heated Matchday 22 encounter between Kwara United and Rivers United at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl in Ilorin. The match, which ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, saw Kwara United initially take the lead in the first half, only to have their victory snatched away in the dying moments.
Kwara United’s Samsudeen Mohammed opened the scoring in the 31st minute, putting the home team ahead. However, the tension escalated when Rivers United equalized in the 90+4th minute, capitalizing on a crucial mistake by the Kwara United goalkeeper. This late goal incited outrage among the home fans, who alleged referee bias and raised unverified claims of bribery surrounding the match.
In the aftermath of the final whistle, frustrated supporters stormed the pitch, confronting match officials and preventing Rivers United players from leaving the field—effectively holding them hostage amid escalating chaos. Disturbing videos shared on social media platforms, including images from Sahara Reporters, depicted the alarming scenes as fans invaded the playing area.
Fortunately, security forces intervened to restore order, allowing the visiting team and officials to exit safely with no reported serious injuries. The NPFL is expected to launch a thorough investigation into the incident, highlighting ongoing challenges related to crowd control and behavior among supporters in Nigerian football. This situation could lead to potential sanctions against Kwara United as the league aims to address these pressing issues.
Stay updated with the latest developments in the Nigeria Premier Football League, and follow our coverage of fan behavior, match outcomes, and league investigations to understand how these events shape the future of football in Nigeria.
