NPFL Match Preview

El-Kanemi Warriors will face a stern test on Sunday when they host Kwara United in a Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 13 clash at the El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium in Maiduguri, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Harmony Boys arrive in Borno on the back of an unbeaten streak under coach Ashifat Suleiman, combining solid home victories with valuable away draws, including a spirited 1–1 result against Nasarawa United.

United arrived on Friday ahead of the fixture and held a training session on Saturday to familiarise themselves with the pitch at the Maiduguri Sports Complex.

The squad remains largely unchanged, with injured players Adeshina Gata and Akanni Akeem unavailable, but the rest of the team are focused on maintaining momentum and pushing for a strong finish this season.

El-Kanemi Warriors, coached by Kabir Dogo, enter the match looking to halt a run of inconsistent results and lift themselves from 14th on the NPFL log with 15 points from 12 games.

The home side have struggled defensively in this fixture, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, while their last league win came against Wikki Tourists in mid-October.

Kwara United currently sit ninth with 17 points and have not lost in their last five matches.

Their tactical philosophy emphasises creative, possession-based football, and the players are fully embracing Suleiman’s approach as they seek to extend their unbeaten run.

The historical edge is in Kwara’s favour, with the Harmony Boys holding the upper hand in recent meetings, including a 1–1 draw in Maiduguri and a 1–0 win in Ilorin last season.

Form guides suggest a tight battle. El-Kanemi have recorded one win, three losses and one draw in their last five outings, while Kwara United have two wins, three draws, and remain unbeaten.

Sunday’s clash is set to be a defining moment for both sides, with Kwara United seeking to continue their ascent and El-Kanemi Warriors aiming to resist the onslaught and reclaim confidence at home.

Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm, with Noah Adejoh appointed as referee and Mukhtari Usman, Jamilu Hamisu and Bala Aliyu Kyari completing the officiating team.

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