Football fans at the Kwara Sports Complex were treated to a moment of pure brilliance on Thursday when Vincent Temitope of Plateau United struck an outrageous equalizer against Kwara United.
Temitope, a Super Eagles player who featured in the just-concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN), delivered what many have already called an early “goal of the season” contender.
Despite his stunning strike in the 58th minute, Kwara United ran out 2–1 winners in a tightly contested NPFL Round 5 clash.
The hosts struck first deep into first-half stoppage time through Jude Aimufua (45’+4). But the game turned on its head when Temitope, showing remarkable alertness, composure, and technique, bent a curler past the goalkeeper to silence the Ilorin crowd.
Kwara United, however, reclaimed the advantage in the 79th minute when Jude Atule pounced to deliver the winner, sealing all three points for the home side.
The victory lifts Kwara United further up the NPFL standings, coming on the heels of their disappointing exit from the CAF Confederation Cup. Plateau United, meanwhile, were left disappointed by the defeat but could take pride in Temitope’s sparkling display.
Fans and pundits alike have already tipped Temitope’s sensational strike as a strong candidate for Goal of the Season, cementing the 21-year-old forward’s reputation and former Sunshine Stars player as one of the most exciting prospects in Nigerian football.
