It was an exciting moments on Sunday across match venues as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) produced drama, goals, and standout individual performances.
Fans were treated to intense battles that reaffirmed the league’s growing competitiveness .
It was a different ball game in Kano as match officials , Shooting Stars players and supporters ran for their lives following an attack by Kano Pillars supporters after their game.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors recorded a convincing 2–0 home victory over El Kanemi Warriors, thanks to a first-half brace from Casmir Azubuike.
Azubuike struck twice in the space of four minutes (24′, 28′), capitalizing on defensive errors to seal all three points early. The visitors tried to respond after the break, but Abia Warriors’ defense held firm. The result pushes Abia Warriors into the upper half of the NPFL standings.
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, newly promoted Ikorodu City edged out Bendel Insurance 1–0 in a gritty encounter. The Lagos-based side showed great discipline, with their only goal coming from a deflected strike in the second half. Bendel Insurance pressed hard for an equalizer but found the hosts’ defense resolute. The result marked Ikorodu City’s first home win of the season.
In one of the day’s headline fixtures, Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars played out a thrilling 1–1 draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The hosts went ahead midway through the first half via a well-placed header, but 3SC responded through a composed finish just before the break. Both teams created chances late on, but neither could find the winner. The stalemate leaves both sides firmly in mid-table contention.
Katsina United delivered an impressive attacking display, dispatching Remo Stars 3–1 in front of an electric home crowd. After an early goal put the hosts in front, Remo Stars briefly equalized, only for Katsina to score twice in the second half. The win lifts Katsina United to one of their best starts in recent seasons.
It was a shock result in Kaduna as Kun Khalifat stunned defending champions Enyimba International with a narrow 1–0 victory.
A solitary first-half goal proved enough as Enyimba’s late onslaught yielded no result. The defeat exposes defensive lapses for the Aba giants, who now face pressure heading into their next fixture.
At the Lafia Township Stadium, Nasarawa United came from behind to beat Rangers International 2–1 in one of the day’s most entertaining contests. Rangers opened the scoring in the 14th minute, but the hosts responded with a spirited second-half comeback, capped by a dramatic winner in stoppage time. The victory reignites Nasarawa’s home dominance.
In Jos, Plateau United proved too strong for visiting Barau FC, earning a comfortable 2–0 win. The hosts controlled possession and created multiple chances, converting twice through well-worked team moves. Plateau United’s consistency at home continues to underline their title credentials this season.
The tie between Warri Wolves and Niger Tornadoes ended 1–1, as both sides shared the spoils in a hard-fought encounter. Wolves opened scoring through a brilliant solo effort, but the visitors equalized from the penalty spot late in the second half. Both teams now sit mid-table, needing more clinical edge upfront.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists and Kwara United also settled for a 1–1 draw in a balanced fixture. Wikki took the lead midway through the game, but Kwara responded immediately with a smartly worked counterattack. Despite late chances for both sides, the draw was a fair reflection of proceedings.
It was a weekend that highlighted the depth and unpredictability of the NPFL. Abia Warriors, Plateau United, and Katsina United emerged the day’s biggest winners, while Enyimba’s surprise defeat raised eyebrows. With more rounds to come, the 2025/26 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years.
