A 29th-minute Alex Aghaowa header gave Plateau United a 1-0 win over Kwara United in NPFL Matchday 2, the Afonja Warriors’ first defeat after an opening-day draw with Kano Pillars.
Kwara United suffered their first defeat of the 2026/27 NPFL season on Sunday, beaten 1-0 away to Plateau United at the New Jos Stadium in an NPFL Matchday 2 fixture. Alex Aghaowa’s 29th-minute header proved the difference, as Plateau United claimed their first win of the campaign.
The result follows a dramatic opening day for Kwara United, who came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars in their season opener at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl in Ilorin. This time there was no way back for the Afonja Warriors.
Plateau United took the lead in the 29th minute when Alex Aghaowa rose above the Kwara United defence to head home the only goal of the game. Kwara United pushed for an equaliser after the break, but the Jos-based side held firm defensively to protect their lead and claim maximum points. Plateau United head coach Gbenga Ogunbote said afterwards that his side remains “a work in progress” despite the win, pointing to areas the team still needs to sharpen.
For Kwara United, this is a reality check after the feel-good story of their opening-day comeback. Head coach Ashifat fielded a heavily rebuilt squad this season — no more than four players were retained from last term, with 16 new signings brought in, including new goalkeeper Khalifa Quattara, who made his NPFL debut in the draw with Kano Pillars. A young, largely unfamiliar group showing character to come from two goals down in Matchday 1 was a positive sign; failing to find a way past a well-organised Plateau United defence in Matchday 2 shows there is still work to do in the final third.
For Plateau United, the win offers early reassurance under Ogunbote even if the coach himself is withholding judgement on how far his squad still has to go before hitting its stride.
For more background on both clubs heading into the new season, see our Kwara United club profile and Plateau United club profile in the NPFL Team Hub. For pre-season transfer context, see our Kwara United 2026/27 transfer window breakdown and Plateau United 2026/27 transfer window breakdown.
What was the final score between Kwara United and Plateau United?
Plateau United won 1-0 away to Kwara United in their NPFL Matchday 2 fixture, played on Sunday at the New Jos Stadium.
Who scored the winning goal?
Alex Aghaowa scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute, heading in for Plateau United.
How did Kwara United start the 2026/27 NPFL season?
Kwara United opened the season with a 2-2 draw against Kano Pillars, coming back from two goals down, before losing 1-0 to Plateau United in Matchday 2 — their first defeat of the campaign.
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Sources: Dailysports, Complete Sports, Leadership Nigeria.
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