Kwara United unveil 16 new players, target 2026/27 NPFL title, Federation Cup glory

…as Harmony Boys boss explains reason for last season poor campaign

Kwara United Football Club has officially unveiled 16 new players across all departments ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, reaffirming its ambition to challenge for major honours.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday at the club’s secretariat, Chairman Mr. Kumbi Titiloye said the new recruits were carefully selected to strengthen the squad following the departure of several players whose contracts expired.

Titiloye disclosed that the club also retained 16 players from last season’s squad, noting that those who left either completed their contracts or opted to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

“Our target this season is to finish at the top of the league and win every available trophy. We want to win the NPFL title and reclaim the President Federation Cup,” Titiloye declared.

The Oro-born football administrator assured supporters and stakeholders that the shortcomings of last season had been addressed, stressing that the team would approach every match with maximum determination.

“We are treating every game like a World Cup final. The mistakes of last season will not be repeated,” he said.

Titiloye also commended the Kwara State Government under Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Kwara State Sports Commission for their unwavering support and investment in the club.

New Signings

Stanley Victor (Goalkeeper) – Kada City

Ouattara Khalifa (Goalkeeper) – Alemas FC, Mali

Ferinyaro Ali (Right Back) – Kada Warriors

Peace Dewan (Left Back) – Bendel Insurance

Ada Adamu (Centre Back) – Barau FC

Uche Daniel (Centre Back) – Yobe Desert FC

Anthony Nnamdi (Defensive Midfielder) – Bendel Insurance

Emmanuel Ekpeyong (Left Winger) – ASEAMI FC

Obed Ponkap (Striker) – Barau FC

Ajibola Ayomade (Striker) – Ikorodu City

Solomon Shoola (Striker) – Abraysports

Benjamin Jack (Striker) – Nasarawa United

Sanni Mohammed (Striker) – ACAS FA, Lagos

Thomas Omokhafe (Centre Forward) – Kada Warriors

Jerry Alex (Centre Forward) – Rangers International

Gideon Chukwu Stephen (Centre Forward) – Doma United

Retained Players

Ayeleso Suraj

Mohammed Alao

Alege Muhammed

Kolawole Sheriff

Adeshina Issa Gata

Jeremiah Gabriel Abutu

Okoloko Otega

Ezenabo Somtochwuku

Toyeeb Gidado

Abdulsalam Abdulsalam

Ozoh Philip

Hannafi Babatunde

Nurudeen Badmus

Afeez Bankole

Nyebe Moses

Issa Magaji

Meanwhile, Coach Ashifat Suleiman has blamed the banishment from Ilorin for his team’s relegation struggles last season.

THE PRIME NEWS reports that the Harmony Boys supporters invaded the pitch after their rescheduled matchday 22 fixture against Rivers United in Ilorin.

The incident saw the Ilorin-based club fined N9 million and three points deducted three from their accumulated totals.

Kwara United were also ordered to play its remaining home fixtures for the season at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

Suleiman revealed that the sanctions put the club under immense and financial pressure to make up for the lost points.

“If not for the pitch invasion that cost us three points and a three-goal deduction last season, things could have been different,” Suleiman told the media.

“The sanctions forced us to play our home matches away from Ilorin, yet very few people talk about the impact that had on the club.

“It placed the management under immense financial pressure and meant the players and officials were constantly travelling instead of enjoying the advantage of playing and resting at home.

“Those challenges affected the team significantly and contributed to our struggles last season.”

Kwara United survived relegation on the final day of last season.