Kwara United suffered a 2-0 defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri on Sunday, bringing an end to their impressive five-game unbeaten run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Harmony Boys started the Matchday 13 clash brightly, showing urgency and intent to build on their recent momentum. However, El-Kanemi struck first in the 37th minute when Muktar Ismail converted a rebound from a well-taken free-kick, giving the home side the lead.

Kwara United almost responded immediately, but Johnmark Aule's 42nd-minute effort failed to find the back of the net as the resolute El-Kanemi defence held firm to preserve their lead into the break.

The Ilorin-based side returned for the second half with renewed determination. Babatunde Bright rattled the woodwork, while Ogbonna Arinze's header went narrowly wide as Kwara United pushed hard for an equaliser.

The result was sealed in the 83rd minute by D. Abdulrahman, condemning Kwara United to their first loss since their unbeaten run began.

Their missed chances proved costly. In the 80th minute, Daddy AbdulRahman finished off a swift move to double El-Kanemi's lead and seal the victory for the hosts.

Reacting after the match, Coach Ashifat Suleiman described the defeat as "unfortunate," adding that the team would return home, regroup, and refocus ahead of their next fixture against Shooting Stars on Sunday in Ilorin.

Kwara United now occupy 12th position on the NPFL log after 13 matches.