Michael Odetunde
I keenly watched Kwara United’s 2-2 draw against Kano Pillars in Matchday One of the EuroMatch-NPFL 2026/27 season, and while the Harmony Boys did not necessarily play badly, their inability to convert some clear-cut chances could have cost them dearly.
One major factor that must be considered is that about 70% of the players in the starting XI were making their NPFL debuts. For many of them, it was their first competitive league game in front of a mammoth crowd in Ilorin, and that comes with its own pressure and learning curve.
However, what stood out for me in the encounter was the fighting spirit and resilience displayed by the players.
After going into the break two goals down, the Harmony Boys responded strongly after the restart. They showed character, determination and a willingness to fight until the final whistle. 
The fans also played their part. They stood firmly behind the team, believing that a comeback was possible, and they were eventually rewarded as Kwara United produced a dramatic fightback, scoring two beautiful goals in the second half, with the equaliser arriving at the death of the thrilling encounter.
It is still early days in the campaign, and the players undoubtedly need time to understand one another, build chemistry and develop the required cohesion to produce desirable results. However, that process must happen quickly. By Matchday 10, the team should have found its rhythm and identity.
That said, conceding two early goals at home should be a major concern for the technical crew, particularly the technical adviser. Against stronger opposition, such a slow start could prove difficult to recover from.
There are certainly positives to take from the opening-day performance, especially the team’s mentality and ability to fight back. But there are also areas that require urgent attention.
The season is long, and one match does not define a team. But if Kwara United can build on the fighting spirit they demonstrated against Kano Pillars while addressing their defensive lapses and improving their finishing, the Harmony Boys can certainly become a stronger side as the campaign progresses.
