Rivers United endured a frightening night in Ilorin after their 1-1 draw with Kwara United in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture descended into chaos.

The visiting team was reportedly held inside the stadium, while General Manager Okey Kpalukwu was assaulted during the unrest, Footballrover reports.

Rivers United Held Inside Stadium After Late Equaliser Sparks Chaos

Trouble began at the end of a tense encounter between the Port Harcourt outfit and the Harmony boys on Wednesday.

The hosts had taken the lead in the 32nd minute through Mohammed Shamsudeen, putting them in control for most of the match.

However, their visitors levelled the scores in stoppage time through David Sholumade.

The late goal triggered angry reactions from sections of the home supporters, who believed there had been a foul in the build-up involving goalkeeper Suraju Ayeleso.

Shortly after the final whistle, some fans breached restricted areas and confronted match officials. Chairs and plastic bottles were seen thrown as tempers flared inside the stadium.

Security personnel struggled to restore order as the situation escalated rapidly. Reports indicate that players, staff, and officials of the Garden City side were unable to leave the stadium for more than 30 minutes, effectively confined amid safety concerns.

Okey Kpalukwu Injured as NPFL Security Under Scrutiny

During the disturbance, Rivers United General Manager Okey Kpalukwu was attacked and left injured. Images circulating online showed him with visible facial wounds following the incident.

The violence has raised fresh questions about security arrangements at NPFL venues, particularly during high-stakes matches involving relegation-threatened sides like Kwara United.

Eyewitnesses said tensions had been building in the closing stages before boiling over after the equaliser.

Okey Kpalukwu

NPFL organisers and relevant security authorities had yet to release an official statement.

The incident is expected to prompt renewed scrutiny of crowd control measures, enforcement of league regulations, and overall stadium safety standards in Nigerian football.

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Last Updated on February 19, 2026 8:15 am by footballrover