Chaos erupted during Kwara United vs Rivers United game
Chaotic scenes erupted during Rivers United’s 1-1 game against Kwara United on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Ilorin, in a fiercely contested match.
The Afonja Warriors took the lead through a lone strike by Samsudeen Mohammed in the 32nd minute and held on until added time, hoping to secure victory.
However, later in the game, Boluwaji Sholumade reacted quickest to capitalise on a goalkeeping error and bundled the ball home to level the score at 1-1, earning Rivers United a point.
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The result did not sit well with the home fans, who were aggrieved by what they alleged was biased officiating. They subsequently attacked the match officials.
After the final whistle, Kwara United fans invaded the pitch and began chasing the referees in chaotic scenes.
According to reports from Nigerian media, the officials were assaulted and trapped in their dressing room for a while until safety was restored.
One report stated, “They descended on the match officials and Rivers United’s team members inside the stadium. Dangerous objects flew through the air. By the time the fracas was over, Rivers United General Manager, Chief Okey Kpalukwu, was bloodied. He was beaten to a pulp, with blood gushing from his face.”
League authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to book.
Watch the chaotic scenes below:
BREAKING: Violence has erupted at the Kwara State Stadium during the rescheduled NPFL clash between Kwara United and Rivers United.
Rivers United Manager and NPFL Chairmen of Chairmen, Okey Kpalukwu, has reportedly sustained serious injuries in the chaos. #NPFL #KWARIV pic.twitter.com/CcHtd01PKO
— Base 101.1 Fm (@BaseFmLagos) February 19, 2026
BREAKING: Barbaric! Match Officials Brutally Beaten by Kwara United Fans in Ilorin During NPFL Clash with Rivers United pic.twitter.com/BEmA5SPIXh
— The Yoruba Times (@TheYorubaTimes) February 18, 2026
SB/MA
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