Tag: Nigeria Premier Football League

Some of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 24 fixtures were decided yesterday across five centres, with Rangers International climbing into the top three, Enyimba finally tasting victory in 2026, and Nasarawa United missing a golden chance to go top after being held in Bauchi.

Rangers International continued their steady climb up the table with a convincing 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Emmanuel Essien gave the Flying Antelopes an early advantage in the 11^th  minute before Mukhtar Mohammed’s own goal in the 49^th  minute sealed the win.

The result lifts Rangers to third place on 39 points, while Sai Masu Gida remain deep in trouble in 18th position with 25 points.

At the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna, Niger Tornadoes and Bendel Insurance played out one of the games of the weekend, a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Bendel Insurance raced into a 2-0 first-half lead through Nnamdi Anthony (2’) and Chinedu Nwosu (38’), but the Ikon Allah Boys mounted a spirited second-half comeback.

Abdulaziz Dalhatu pulled one back on 60 minutes before Rickson Mendos struck deep into stoppage time (90+4’) to salvage a point for Tornadoes.

Both sides remain level on 34 points, with Tornadoes seventh and Bendel Insurance eighth.

Enyimba finally recorded their first league win of the year after edging Bayelsa United 1-0 at home.

Samuel Agu’s late strike in the 81^st  minute secured all three points for the People’s Elephant, who also completed a league double over the Prosperity Boys.

Enyimba move up to 11th with 31 points, while Bayelsa United drop to 14^th  on 28 points.

In a keenly contested Northern Derby at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Wikki Tourists came from behind to draw 1-1 with Nasarawa United.

Chimezie Victor put the Solid Miners ahead in the 29^th  minute, but Jonathan Mairiga restored parity for Wikki Tourists in the 35^th  minute.

The draw denied Nasarawa United the chance to leapfrog Rivers United to the top of the table. The Solid Miners remain second on 40 points, while Wikki Tourists sit 13^th  with 28 points. Rivers United, who were inactive due to CAF Champions League commitments, still have three outstanding games to potentially widen the gap.

Despite playing away from Katsina, Katsina United claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over Abia Warriors in Kano.

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Uche Collins was the hero of the day, scoring twice in quick succession in the 55^th  and 58th minutes.

The victory moves the Chanji Boys up to 10^th  place with 33 points, while Abia Warriors slip to fifth on 38 points.

The remaining NPFL Matchday 24 fixtures will be concluded today. In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors host Kun Khalifat as they seek revenge for a 3-1 loss in the reverse fixture.

In Ibadan, defending champions Remo Stars face an in-form Plateau United side in a crucial clash, with both teams hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Elsewhere, Barau FC welcome Ikorodu City hoping to overturn a first-leg defeat, while Kwara United face Warri Wolves in a must-win encounter as they battle to escape relegation.

NPFL Matchday 24 Results

Niger Tornadoes 2-2 Insurance

Katsina United 2-0 Abia Warriors

Enyimba 1-0 Bayelsa United

Rangers  2-0 Kano Pillars

Wikki Tourists 1-1 Nasarawa United

Shooting Stars vs. Rivers United (Postponed)

Remaining NPFL Matchday 24 Fixtures

El Kanemi Warriors vs. Kun Khalifat

Remo Stars vs. Plateau United

Barau FC vs. Ikorodu City

Kwara United vs. Warri Wolves

The second stanza of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season kicked off yesterday with grit, goals and crucial results across the country on Matchday 20, as Rivers United protected their leadership, Kano Pillars, Bendel Insurance and Warri Wolves claimed valuable away victories, while Shooting Stars exacted sweet revenge in the WABIA derby.

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Rangers International were unable to avenge their first-stanza defeat to Rivers United as both sides settled for a goalless draw. The result was enough for the Pride of Rivers to consolidate their position at the top of the table with 38 points from 20 matches, maintaining a four-point cushion. Rangers, meanwhile, remain sixth with 30 points, having failed to capitalise on home advantage.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors missed a golden opportunity to close the gap on the leaders, Rivers United as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Plateau United at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Emeka Obioma fired the Umuchineke Boys ahead in the 28th minute, but Saka Gafar had stunned the home crowd earlier with an 8th-minute opener for Plateau United.

Abia Warriors stay second with 34 points, while Plateau United, under new Technical Adviser Gbenga Ogunbote, remain 19^th  with 20 points.

Remo Stars marked their first competitive match at their permanent home in Ikenne with a narrow 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City in the South West derby. Haruna Hadi struck the decisive goal in the 47^th   minute to restore parity after Ikorodu City’s first-stanza win. The defending champions move to 13^th  with 25 points, while Ikorodu City sit third on 32 points despite the setback.

One of the standout performances of the midweek matches came in Ibadan, where Shooting Stars delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Enyimba in the WABIA derby at the Lekan Salami Stadium. Goals from Lucky Emmanuel (17’), Sodiq Ibrahim (81’) and Qamar Adegoke (89’) completed a comprehensive reversal of the 3-0 defeat the Oluyole Warriors suffered in Aba at the end of the first stanza. The emphatic win lifts Shooting Stars to fourth place with 32 points, while Enyimba’s inconsistency continues to haunt them in 11th spot with 26 points.

In Lafia, Kano Pillars completed a league double over Nasarawa United with a 1-0 away win, having beaten the Solid Miners 3-0 in the reverse fixture. Chiedozie Okorie’s 49^th -minute strike proved decisive as Sai Masu Gida boosted their survival hopes. Despite the win, Pillars remain 18^th  with 22 points, while Nasarawa United slipped to fifth with 32 points.

At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, Barau FC continued their steady climb away from the relegation zone with a 2-1 home win over Niger Tornadoes. Uche Moses opened the scoring in the 25^th  minute, Muhammad Umar doubled the advantage shortly after the restart, while Clinton Jephta pulled one back for Tornadoes in the 65th minute. Barau FC are now 15th with 24 points, while Tornadoes sit seventh on 29 points.

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In Ilorin, Bendel Insurance secured a rare league double over Kwara United with a 1-0 away victory at the Kwara Sports Complex. Emmanuel Akpan’s 37^th -minute goal sealed the win, marking the Edo Arsenal’s third consecutive away victory of the season. Kennedy Boboye’s side climb to eighth with 29 points, as Kwara United drop to 14th with 24 points.

Warri Wolves also impressed on the road, edging Wikki Tourists 1-0 in Bauchi thanks to Ezekiel Oroh’s 59^th -minute strike. The Seasiders’ fourth away win of the campaign lifts them to 10^th  with 27 points, while Wikki Tourists remain 16th with 23 points, just outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors completed a double over Bayelsa United with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Daddy Abdulrahman’s 19th-minute goal. The Borno Army move up to ninth with 28 points, while Bayelsa United continue to struggle in 17^th  place with 23 points.

The final fixture of Matchday 20 is scheduled for today in Kano, where Katsina United host Kun Khalifat. Katsina United hold a slim advantage after winning the first leg 1-0 in Owerri two weeks ago.

The Referee Assessor for the match day 4 encounter of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, between Ikorodu City FC and Barau FC, Rachael Enagbare from Edo State reportedly  passed away in Lagos yesterday.

According to BSNSports.com.ng, Enaghare complained of discomfort on Saturday and was rushed to the hospital after the pre-match meeting but she couldn’t make it.

Meanwhile, NPFL Chairman, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, has described the death of Enagbare as a huge loss to the league and entire football community in the country.

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“The NPFL family is deeply saddened by the unfortunate and unexpected passing of the former referee who has been working with us as a match referee assessor.

“We extend our sincere condolences to her immediate family and to the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA),” Elegbeleye offered.

He said the league body will liaise with the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), the Lagos Referees Council, and the NRA towards having the body returned to the family.

GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), has extended its condolences to the Kano State Government and the Kano State Sports Commission following the tragic loss of more than 20 athletes and officials who were returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024.

In a press statement issued in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, expressed deep sorrow over the devastating incident.

 “We received with great shock and disbelief the news of the tragic motor accident that claimed the lives of more than twenty athletes and officials who had actively participated in the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta,” Ekejiuba said.

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 “This is a monumental loss—not only to the people of Kano State but to the entire nation. A promising generation of athletes has been lost in such a heart-breaking manner, leaving their families and communities in profound grief.

 “This tragedy comes at a time when GTI is fully committed to repositioning and restructuring Nigeria’s sports ecosystem. We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. We pray for the eternal rest of the departed souls and a swift recovery for those injured and currently receiving treatment,” he added.

GTI also used the opportunity to urge sports administrators across the country to prioritize the safety and welfare of athletes and officials, particularly during travel to and from competitions. The incident serves as a solemn reminder of the need for stringent safety measures and risk mitigation strategies in Nigerian sports.

As the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season nears its thrilling conclusion, Eunisell Limited, Africa’s leading specialty chemicals and oil production solutions company, is proud to announce its readiness for the prestigious Eunisell Boot Awards.

This year’s event, scheduled for June in Lagos, marks a major milestone—a decade of Eunisell’s steadfast commitment to celebrating excellence and supporting domestic football development in Nigerian football.

The Eunisell Boot Award, is an annual ceremony honouring the NPFL’s highest goal scorer, spotlighting individual brilliance and inspiring the next generation of football talent.

Since inception, the initiative has become one of the most respected individual accolades in Nigerian football. With one match day to go this season, the race for the 2025 Eunisell Boot is intensifying.

Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf currently leads the race to grab the Eunisell Boots with 18 goals. Yusuf took his tally to 18 goals in Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Enyimba.

The trio of Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars) as well as the Abia Warriors’ duo of Anthony De Souza Ijoma and Sunday Megwo have 12 goals each.

Beyond the Boot Awards, Eunisell currently sponsors Abia Warriors, a prominent club in the NPFL, further demonstrating its active support for domestic football development and grassroots talent.

The CEO of Eunisell, Ken Okeiyi,  emphasized the company’s dedication to the sport and its role in uplifting communities.

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He said: “Over the years, Eunisell Boot Award has stood as a symbol of recognition, reward, and belief in the power of local talent. As the NPFL season wraps up, we are once again reminded of the skill, determination, and passion that define Nigerian football. Eunisell is proud to continue investing in the future of the sport by celebrating those who inspire on and off the pitch.”

Eunisell’s involvement in Nigerian football—through both its individual player recognition and club sponsorship—reflects its broader vision to foster excellence, empower youth and promote national pride.

Details of the 2025 Eunisell Boot Awards ceremony, including final date and venue, will be announced in the coming weeks.

The first round of the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League will unofficially come to an end  this weekend with front runners, Remo Stars and Rivers United, at daggers drawn to determine the halfway kings, writes TUNDE LIADI 

It will be battle royale between Remo Stars and Rivers United to determine the halfway winners of the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League as we go into the concluding fixtures of the first round this weekend across 10 centres. Enyimba and a few other clubs are still with outstanding games brought about by the involvement of the People’s Elephant on the continent.

Both teams will play at home tomorrow and Monday respectively with Remo Stars battling Akwa United in Ikenne while Rivers United will trade tackles with Plateau United in Port Harcourt. Remo Stars are atop the table just on goals difference with both frontrunners having 33 points from the 18 games played. The Sky Blue Stars will be halfway champs if they are able to beat Akwa United silly but they could hand the initiative back to Rivers United if the Pride of Rivers are able to better their result by more than two goals in the Monday’s fixture with Plateau United. 

Today, Bayelsa United will hope to leave the relegation zone for good if they beat Abia Warriors in Yenagoa. They are currently ninth with 24 points but Abia Warriors who are 10th with the same number of points will cherish the golden chance to usurp their hosts at home and on the log with an unlikely win at the Samson Siasia Stadium. 

Tomorrow, Lobi Stars will slug it out with Heartland . The Pride of Benue are at the bottom of the log with 19 points and will be under immense pressure to deliver the three points at their adopted home in Lafia. The Naze Millionaires are winless in their last three games and court relegation if they lose in Lafia. Hence the concerted effort from Heartland players to ensure that they make their head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke happy with a positive result. 

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Fifth-placed El Kanemi Warriors will welcome Kano Pillars to Maiduguri seeking to end the first stanza in the top five. They know that a home win will guarantee that, but Kano Pillars are unrelenting too as they are also strive to squeeze themselves into the top five also. They are currently seventh with 25 points and will achieve that if they bag the maximum points in Maiduguri.

There will be another South West derby in Lagos tomorrow between Ikorodu City and Sunshine Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. Two South West derbies have taken place already in Lagos with the Oga Boys beating Shooting Stars 2-1 and playing a 1-1 draw against Remo Stars. But Ikorodu City are without a win in their last three games. Can they survive the visit of the Owena Whales who are 14th on the log with 21 points and are eager to get a good result in Lagos?

Shooting Stars began the season rather disappointedly but they are presently third on the log with 30 points. They will finish in third spot at the end of the first stanza if they beat Kwara United at home. Gbenga Ogunbote and his boys will be buoyed by their away win at the Cathedral (Enugu) against Rangers International FC and the Harmony Boys may struggle to survive the heat of Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan tomorrow.

In Minna, Rangers will seek redemption following their unfortunate home loss to Shooting Stars last weekend when they face Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kotangora Stadium tomorrow. The Flying Antelopes have now lost two games before their fans with the other being the 4-3 defeat to Kano Pillars. The reigning league champions are fourth with 26 points but they are under siege against the Ikon Allah Boys who could break into the top five with a home win. 

Rangers have not been doing well in the absence of head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu. He is presently away with the national team for the African Nations Championship qualifiers against Ghana holding  today in Uyo. 

Katsina United and Nasarawa United will face each other at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Sunday with both in relegation zone warfare. With just a point separating both teams the Chanji Boys will be all fired up to pick the maximum points and improve their fortunes on the table. Nasarawa United too must avoid a defeat after they dropped further points at home against Rivers United last weekend. 

The last fixture will be staged on Tuesday in Aba between Enyimba and Bendel Insurance. The People’s Elephant managed to secure a draw in Jos against Plateau United on Thursday but they must banish the ghost of their off colour performance at home having drawn their last four home games in all competitions. They are without a win in their last nine games with Enyimba head coach, Yemi Olanrewaju under pressure with reported interest in his job by other Nigerian coaches. 

Enyimba are presently 11th  on the log with 23 points though with three games less than most of the teams in the topflight. Can they end their winless streak in Aba on Tuesday?

Kano Pillars bagged their first away win of the season at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu against Rangers International and have thrown a spanner in the Nigeria Premier Football League reigning champions title challenge.

It was a Matchday 7 tie that came barely three days after Kano Pillars were pinned 2-0 in Uyo by Akwa United. But they were at their best against the Flying Antelopes and raced to a 4-0 first half lead to the bewilderment of Rangers’ head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu.

Rabiu Ali scored the game’s first goal for the visitors in the 19^th  minute from the spot kick while Rabiu Muhammed Zulkifilu made it two 10 minutes later. Ali got his brace in the 41^st v minute from the penalty spot again before Ahmed Musa’s icing on the cake in the 45^th  minute.

But Isaac Saviour scored a quick-fire double in the 46^th  and 59^th  minutes for the home side to raise the hope of a comeback but they could only add one more in the 90th minute. The game finished 4-3 with Sai Masu Gida having the last laugh on the Flying Antelopes’ stomping ground.

Rangers slipped to the fifth spot with 10 points but Kano Pillars moved to the fourth spot with 10 points. The arrival of Super Eagles Skipper Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi is helping to provide the necessary stability at Kano Pillars.

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In the remaining games played yesterday, Lobi Stars were held to a 2-2 draw by unbeaten El Kanemi Warriors at the Lafia City Stadium.

Lobi Stars went 2-0 up through the goals of Ossy Martins in the 17^th  and 53^rd  minutes. It was Martins’ third goal in his last two games for the Pride of Benue.

El Kanemi Warriors began their comeback in the 57^th  minute through Ibrahim Mustapha’s goal before Mukhtar Mohammed’s equaliser four minutes from full time. It was the Borno Army’s fifth draw of the season after six games. They are still with a game at hand against Kwara United in Maiduguri.

In another game played in Lafia, Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf notched his second hat trick of the season in their 3-0 whiplash of Abia Warriors. Yusuf has seven goals from the seven games played thus far.

In Aba, Enyimba had to comeback from behind to avoid a first home defeat of the season against Niger Tornadoes. The People’s Elephant had held Shooting Stars to a goalless draw in Ibadan last weekend but they went behind to God’s time Joseph’s 42nd minute stunner.

Enyimba’s Chinedu Ufere got the leveller in the 76^th  minute to ensure it was a draw.

At the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin Wasiu Alalade was the star man for Kwara United who whipped Sunshine Stars 3-0.

Alalade scored twice in the 30^th  and 38^th  minutes while Shola Abdulraheem hit the target for the third goal of the game in the 73^rd  minute.

The remaining Matchday Seven games slated for today are: Bendel Insurance versus Bayelsa United; Rivers United versus Shooting Stars; Heartland versus Ikorodu City; Plateau United  versus Remo Stars and Katsina United versus Akwa United.

NPFL Matchday 7 Results

Lobi Stars 2-2 El Kanemi

Nasarawa United 3-0 Abia Warriors

Enyimba 1-1 Niger Tornadoes

Kwara United 3-0 Sunshine Stars

Rangers FC 3-4 Kano Pillars