Kwara United inflicted further damage on reigning champions Remo Stars, securing a clinical 3-1 victory in Ilorin on Saturday, a result that leaves the visitors rooted in the relegation zone, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The match saw Junior Aimufua net a crucial brace, supported by a thunderous strike from Babatunde Bright. This offensive display ensured the Harmony Boys extended their unbeaten league run to four matches as they continue their resurgence under their new technical setup.

The champions, still reeling from a demoralizing 7-1 aggregate defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League, were once again second best in a contest that reflected their faltering domestic campaign.

The match began evenly, with both sides trading early opportunities. Remo's Samson Olasupo was particularly lively, forcing multiple saves from Kwara's solid goalkeeper, Badmus Nurudeen, and notably striking the woodwork in the 15th minute.

Despite the visitors' promising start, it was the home side who broke the deadlock. On the half-hour mark, Junior Aimufua pounced on a loose ball to put Kwara United ahead, sending the home crowd at the Kwara State Stadium into jubilation.

Remo Stars sought an equaliser before the break, but their efforts were thwarted by poor finishing and disciplined defending from the hosts. The first half ended 1-0, leaving Daniel Ogunmodede's men needing a strong response after the restart.

The visitors introduced Malik Jabbar and Joseph Abah at the hour mark to inject urgency, but Kwara United remained compact and composed.

Their patience was rewarded on 74 minutes when Babatunde Bright unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the box after a fine assist from Seun Ogunribide to double their advantage.

Remo Stars' frustration deepened as Haruna Hadi missed a gilt-edged chance before Aimufua sealed the win in the 87th minute, calmly finishing off a flowing team move to make it 3-0.

Malik's stoppage-time strike provided little consolation for the weary champions, whose defensive lapses and lack of cohesion told the full story of their current plight.

The defeat means Remo Stars remain in 17th place with 10 points from eight matches, having lost four of their last five league fixtures. Though they have three outstanding games, the pressure is mounting on the defending champions to rediscover their form before the title defence completely unravels.

Kwara United, meanwhile, have climbed to fifth on the table with 16 points. The turnaround under their new backroom leadership has been remarkable since their early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup against Asante Kotoko.

Next up, Remo Stars travel to Lafia for a daunting rescheduled fixture against table-toppers Nasarawa United on Wednesday before hosting El Kanemi Warriors in Abeokuta. Kwara United, buoyed by their latest victory, will also face Nasarawa United in their next league outing over the weekend as they look to maintain their impressive run.