Nigeria duo Anayo Iwuala and Christopher John played key roles as Al-Arabi secured a hard-fought 2–1 away victory over Al-Qadsia in the Kuwait Premier League, boosting their challenge near the top of the table.
The visitors produced a composed performance on the road to claim maximum points on Matchday 9, moving Al-Arabi into second place on 17 points with a game in hand, while Al-Qadsia remained third with 14 points after a closely fought battle.
The decisive moment came shortly before the break when Christopher John found the net after a well-timed assist from Iwuala, underlining the growing understanding between the pair in Al-Arabi’s forward line.
After taking the lead, Al-Arabi managed the game intelligently in the closing stages to see out the victory on the road and maintain their title push. Attention now turns to their next fixture against Al-Tadhamon as they seek to build further momentum.
Editorial
There was something intensely compelling about Al-Arabi’s performance in Kuwait this week not merely the scoreline but what it represents in the broader narrative of a club that balances expectation with evolution. In Abu Dhabi-like heat and under the scrutiny that comes with an unforgiving fixture list, Al-Arabi’s 2–1 victory at Al-Qadsia was less a spectacle and more a statement of intent.
For years the Kuwaiti Premier League has been dominated by storylines of regional rivalry and storied tradition, none more so than the enduring Kuwaiti El Clásico between Al-Arabi and Qadsia, fixtures that feel like miniature finals irrespective of position or timing. This latest chapter, with young Nigerians Anayo Iwuala and Christopher John combining to decisive effect, encapsulates a transition moment for Al-Arabi.
Iwuala’s industrious wing play and John’s intelligent final ball are reminiscent of football’s great itinerant partnerships — not lavish, not buzzy, but deeply effective. Their synergy is not built on flash alone but on a mutual understanding that has matured rapidly since both men donned the red and white. In an arena where tactical nuance often gives way to brute force, their interplay offered something more refined the artistry of collective purpose.
The victory itself, earned without ever truly dominating possession, speaks to a discipline and character that bodes well for their title aspirations. Al-Arabi have not won every derby, nor are they always the favourites, yet on this occasion they blended pragmatism with precision. In a league that tests resilience as much as technical ability, that combination has the potential to carry them deep into the campaign.
Yet this is no trophy coronation. There remains a gap to bridge — in consistency, in depth, perhaps even in expectation. But every journey begins somewhere, and on this night, under December lights far from home, Al-Arabi took a stride that speaks to ambition, adaptability and, crucially, belief.
Did You Know?
- Historic Rivalry Name: The fixture between Al-Arabi and Al-Qadsia is traditionally known as the Kuwaiti El Clásico, one of the most storied derbies in Kuwaiti football.
- Iwuala’s Career Path: Before joining Al-Arabi, Anayo Iwuala enjoyed spells with Espérance de Tunis where he won the Tunisian Super Cup — and CR Belouizdad in Algeria.
- John’s Rise: Christopher John moved through several clubs in Nigeria and the Middle East, including stints at El Dakhleya and Al-Zawraa, before signing for Al-Arabi in 2025.
- Top Scorer Chart: In the 2025–26 Kuwaiti Premier League, Anayo Iwuala is listed among the league’s top scorers, reflecting his attacking influence from wide positions.
- Al-Arabi’s Recent Cup Run: Earlier this year, Al-Arabi advanced to the Amir Cup semifinals, showcasing their competitiveness across domestic competitions.
