NPFL: Kwara United condemn post-match violence after Rivers United draw

Kwara United stated that the conduct displayed does not reflect its core values nor the identity of the vast majority of its supporters.

Kwara United have publicly condemned the violence that followed their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League encounter against Rivers United, distancing the club from the actions of what they described as “irrational elements” among the crowd.

The Gameweek 22 fixture, played in Ilorin on Wednesday, 18 February, ended in a 1–1 draw but was overshadowed by post-match unrest that prompted immediate concern across the league. In an official statement dated the same day, Kwara United expressed “profound regret and deep concern” over the incidents.

Central to the club’s condemnation was the reported attack on Okey Kpalukwu, the highly respected Chairman of Chairmen in the Nigeria Premier Football League. Kwara United described the incident as deeply regrettable and wholly unacceptable, stressing that respect for football administrators, match officials, opponents, and security personnel must remain sacrosanct.

In strong and unambiguous terms, the club stated that the conduct displayed does not reflect its core values nor the identity of the vast majority of its supporters, whom it praised for their loyalty, passion, and dignity over the years. The management emphasised that Kwara United has always stood for sportsmanship and fair play, both on and off the pitch.

Apology and Accountability

Kwara United extended what it called “sincere and unreserved apologies” to Mr Kpalukwu personally, the Rivers United delegation, match officials, security operatives, and innocent spectators who were caught up in the unrest or suffered distress as a result of the incident.

Beyond words, the club confirmed its full commitment to accountability, pledging total cooperation with relevant authorities to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all individuals found to have perpetrated or incited the violence. This position aligns with the NPFL’s increasingly firm stance on crowd misconduct, as the league continues efforts to improve matchday safety and professionalism.

League Safety

The incident comes at a sensitive time for Nigerian football, with the NPFL under pressure to curb fan violence and restore confidence in stadium security nationwide. In recent seasons, the league has introduced stricter disciplinary measures, including heavy fines, stadium closures, and points deductions, in response to similar incidents.

As Chairman of Chairmen, Okey Kpalukwu occupies a key governance role within the NPFL structure, serving as a bridge between club chairpersons and league administrators. Any attack on such an official raises serious concerns about safety, authority, and the broader image of the league.

Next steps

Kwara United revealed plans to roll out enhanced fan sensitisation and re-orientation programmes aimed at promoting responsible supporter behaviour, positive engagement, and rebuilding trust between the club and its fanbase. The initiatives, according to the club, are designed to reinforce the importance of discipline and mutual respect while strengthening the relationship between the team and its supporters.

The Ilorin-based side appealed to fans to remain calm, united, and law-abiding as investigations continue. The club reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur, insisting that football must remain a platform for unity rather than conflict.

As the NPFL reviews the fallout from the Ilorin incident, attention now turns to possible disciplinary action and the wider implications for crowd control and governance in Nigerian football.