Kwara United bounced back in style on Sunday, defeating Niger Tornadoes 2–0 to take the bragging rights in their North Central derby clash in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The Harmony Boys, still smarting from their last-day defeat to Barau FC in Kano, entered Matchday 16 under pressure. Having failed to beat Shooting Stars in their previous home outing, they needed all three points to steady their campaign. Tornadoes, on the other hand, arrived in Ilorin full of confidence after a big win over Remo Stars in Minna.

Kwara United started on the front foot, with Toyeeb Gidado, Philip Ozor, and Victor Adeyinka dictating the tempo in midfield for Ashifat Suleiman’s side. They thought they had taken an early lead from a Seun Ogunribide throw-in, but the referee waved play on after some confusion in the box.

Their breakthrough eventually came in the 15th minute. Ozor slipped a sublime pass into the feet of Babatunde Bright, who held off his marker, turned sharply, and drilled home a brilliant finish past the Tornadoes goalkeeper.

United continued to dominate, with Gidado and Ibrahim Yahaya coming close to extending the lead. The second goal arrived in the 37th minute, again from an Ogunribide long throw. Tornadoes captain Abba Khalid miscued his clearance and turned the ball into his own net, handing the hosts a well-deserved cushion. Gidado later struck the woodwork on the stroke of halftime as the home side kept the pressure on.

The second half lacked the spark of the opening period, with Kwara United missing a few glittering chances through Junior Aimufua. Nonetheless, the hosts held firm to record their first win in five league matches.

Elsewhere in Abeokuta, Victor Mbaoma’s brace sealed a 2–1 victory for Remo Stars against Enyimba. Former Remo forward Edidiong Ezekiel scored the lone goal for the Aba side.

Kano Pillars edged Kun Khalifat 2–1 thanks to a Rabiu Ali double. Ebuka Nwokorie netted for the Pride of Imo.

Elkanemi Warriors and Barau FC settled for a goalless draw, and Wikki Tourists, too, were held 0–0 by Ikorodu City.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors rescued a late point in their 1–1 draw with Rivers United. Maclyn Biokpo struck first for the visitors before Suraju Lawal equalised at the death.

Rangers produced the biggest win of the day, thrashing Bayelsa United 4–1 in Fidelis Ilechukwu’s first game back in charge. Chidozie Iwundu scored twice, Kenechukwu Agu continued his fine form with a third straight league goal, and Chimobi Igwilo added the fourth. Isah Yusuf got Bayelsa’s consolation.

The final two fixtures, Katsina United vs. Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United vs. Shooting Stars will be decided on Monday.