ABS Ilorin FC teen Hannafi Babatunde loved a dream Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL) debut as Kwara United secured a vital 2–1 victory over Warri Wolves on Matchday 24.
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The keenly contested encounter was performed on the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, the place the Concord Boys ended a four-game winless run to document their first victory and first targets of 2026.
Babatunde, a graduate of Barrier FC, not too long ago joined Kwara United on a short-term mortgage from Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC after impressing in the course of the first spherical of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL) season.
Head coach Suleiman Ashifat handed the midfielder his NPFL debut in what proved to be a pivotal fixture for the house facet, and the teen repaid the religion with a disciplined, energetic and warranted efficiency in midfield.
Babatunde showcased composure, work charge and tactical consciousness earlier than being pressured off within the 74th minute on account of damage, with Alege Muhammed changing him.
Talking after the match, Babatunde expressed his delight at making his top-flight debut in Kwara United colors.
“I’m very pleased to make my NPFL debut with Kwara United. It’s a fantastic feeling, and I thank the coaches and my teammates for the help. I’ll proceed to offer my one hundred pc every time I’m known as upon and assist the crew obtain nice issues this season,” he stated.
The spectacular debut of Hannafi Babatunde will function a serious increase for Kwara United as they search to construct momentum within the second half of the NPFL marketing campaign, whereas additionally underlining the standard expertise rising from ABS Ilorin FC’s improvement system.
Following the win, Kwara United moved as much as seventeenth on the NPFL standings with 27 factors, behind Remo Stars (18th), Kano Pillars (nineteenth) and bottom-placed Kun Khalifa.
The Concord Boys, nevertheless, nonetheless have a recreation in hand.
Kwara United will subsequent shift focus to their Matchday 25 away fixture towards Plateau United in Jos.
