By George Akpayen Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) top scorer Joseph Arumala has told NPFL.com.ng that he is taking it “a game at a time” concerning the race for the golden boot.The Ikorodu City attacking winger has scored 12 goals and two assists in 30 league appearances and has the experience duo of Rangers International striker Godwin Obaje and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors breathing down his neck.Obaje and Obioma are on 11 goals apiece but Arumala is unfazed, adding that he is only focused on helping his club finish as high as possible.NO TARGET SETArumala stated that he is not setting a target for a particular number of goals but just wants to enjoy himself.”I just want to enjoy the remaining games of the season. I am not targeting any number of goals but I just want to help my team do well so that we can finish the season very well. For me, it is a game at a time,” he said.Arumala also kept things modest when prodded further on finish the season as top scorer.”In football anything can happen, so it is still an open race,” Arumala said.THOUGHTS ON THE CHASING PACKArumala knows he is in a race with experienced campaigners but is not under any kind of pressure by that.The winger is also happy to be mentioned among some of the NPFL elite players who have scored goals this season.”I am not under pressure at all. I just want to keep things going. Like I said I just want to enjoy the rest of the season and help my team.”There are a lot of experienced players among the top scorers and I am happy to be among that list.”I will be happy to see my team finish in the top-three because that will be a big achievement,” he said.Arumala joined Ikorodu City on August 2025 and is playing in his first season in the NPFL.The winger could become Ikorodu City’s record top scorer in a single NPFL season if gets one more goal which will put him ahead of Shola Adelani who netted 12 times before moving abroad.
NPFL in numbers after 34 matchweeks
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is in its final stretch and things are beginning to shape up for the finish line among who stays in the top division and who wins the title. Here we compile 15 quick stats so far about the season: 0 – Rangers, Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors are the only undefeated teams at home this season so far. 1 – There’s been an average of 1.9 goal(s) per game so far. 4 – Ikorodu City are the only team to concede 4+ second half goals this season. 7 – Nasarawa United have scored 7 goals in the opening 15 minutes of their matches, one more than the other clubs. 8 – Match with most goals (Wikki 4-4 Katsina Utd) 8 – Chidozie Iwundu of Rangers International is the top-scoring defender with 8 goals. 10 – Enyimba have scored more goals in the last 10 minutes of matches, being 10, than any other club. 11 – 3SC midfielder Ayobami Abiodun Junior has the most assists, being 11. 12 – Ikorodu City’s Joseph Arumala is the leading scorer with 12 goals. 16 – Abia Warriors so far have the most points on the road. They have 16 away points. 16 – Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata has the most clean sheets, being 16, with four matchweeks to go. 24 – Bendel Insurance and Rangers have scored more first half goals, being 24 each, than any other team this season. 39 – We have witnessed 39 away wins after 34 matchweeks. 340 – 340 matches have been played after Matchday 34. 663 – A total of 663 goals have now been scored.
Arumala tops chart as Wikki stun Bayelsa Utd
By George Akpayen Ikorodu City attacking winger Joseph Arumala has played himself into pole position as the leading scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after scoring in his side’s 3-0 win over Kano Pillars on Sunday. Arumala opened scoring for City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos to take his tally to 12 goals for the season, one more than the chasing pack of Rangers striker Godwin Obaje and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors. Tosin Oyedokun (70′) and Abayomi Ayodeji (88′) got the other goals for the Oga Boys who are still in the race for the title and a top-three finish. City now have 55 points, three behind leaders Rivers United. Rivers United were made to work hard for the full points by an organized Plateau United. Wisdom Samuel’s first half goal proved sufficient enough for Finidi George’s men to return to the top of the summit after 34 rounds of matches ahead of second-placed Rangers who played out a goalless draw at Niger Tornadoes. MAIRIGA LIFTS WIKKI IN YENAGOA At the other end of the table, Jonathan Mairiga was the hero in a tight contest between Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. Mairiga netted the winner for Wikki with 23 minutes left to play though the points were not enough to take them out of the relegation zone but sucked Bayelsa United into it. Federation Cup holders, Kwara United, played themselves out of the bottom-four after grinding out a 0-0 draw at Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) The story was different for the champions Remo Stars who surrendered a goal lead to lose 2-1 at Barau FC. A goal each in the last 20 minutes from Joseph Atule and Joseph Kemin cancelled out Haruna Hadi’s 63rd minute goal for Remo Stars to leave them in danger of being relegated with four matchweeks to end the season. BIG WINS FOR SOUTHEAST DUO Enyimba and Kun Khalifat FC cruised to emphatic victories over Katsina United and Warri Wolves respectively in a bid to put life in their battles for escape. Stanley Dimgba (23′), Chidera Michael (31′) and Wonah Williams (79′) scored for Enyimba in their 3-0 win over Katsina United at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba. Kun Khalifat FC made light work of Wolves with a 3-0 win. Uchechukwu Onuoha netted a second half brace after Mmesoma Nnorom had opened scoring on 19 minutes. The win still leaves Kun Khalifat FC bottom of the standings but moves them within a point of safety.
Nwosu propels Bendel Insurance to slim win over Abia Warriors
Chinedu Nwosu was the hero for Bendel Insurance in Saturday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture with Abia Warriors at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The winger scored the winner on 62 minutes to help the Benin Arsenals to a 1-0 win over Abia Warriors. Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo stuck to the side that started in their previous fixture against Bayelsa United while Bendel Insurance’s starters had in-form Kayode Oke and Alex Oweilayefa. The first half ended without a goalless in the game played behind closed doors. Seventeen minutes into the restart, former Sunshine Stars man benefited from a loose-ball to score the winning goal after the Warriors failed to clear their lines from a free kick. Amapakabo in a bid to salvage something out of the match sent on the trio of Fatai Abdullahi, Shedrack Asiegbu and Chindi Merpring for Suraj Lawal, Valentine Ugwu and Casmir Azubuike respectively. The Warriors in the final moments threw everything at their hosts but failed to level the score thereby losing four points to Bendel Insurance over two meetings in the league this season. Amapakabo’s team stay in fourth place with 52 points until Sunday’s fixtures while Bendel Insurance also remain in seventh position with 49 points.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 34
Here are the referees appointed for this matchweek as two games are live on AfroSoccer and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Saturday, April 11, 2026 BENDEL INSURANCE V ABIA WARRIORS Referee: Malik Madaki Assistant referee 1: Zango Mohammed Assistant referee 2: Samuel Sunday Azi Fourth official: Abubakar Zubairu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City Sunday, April 12, 2026 3SC V KWARA UNITED (Live on FRCN) Referee: Grema Mohammed Assistant referee 1: Ahmad Tijjani Assistant referee 2: Bukar Ciroma Fourth official: Arewaremi Ebineme Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan BARAU FC V REMO STARS Referee: Abdulmalik Abdulganiyu Assistant referee 1: Stanley Idowu Assistant referee 2: Shuaibu Abdullahi Fourth official: Friday Francis Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano NIGER TORNADOES V RANGERS Referee: Tobi Majeed Assistant referee 1: Ekene Chanumuy Assistant referee 2: Rabiu Mohammed Idris Fourth official: Olatunde Abdulmajid Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna ENYIMBA V KATSINA UNITED Referee: Joseph Ogabor Assistant referee 1: Lewis Gwatana Assistant referee 2: Segun Akinsanya Fourth official: Emmanuel Igwe Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba BAYELSA UNITED V WIKKI TOURISTS Referee: Musibaudeen Ibrahim Assistant referee 1: Joseph Onaleye Assistant referee 2: Scholastica Ikeobi Fourth official: Uche Ndukwere Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa IKORODU CITY V KANO PILLARS (Live on AfroSoccer DStv Channel 254) Referee: Eric Kwanga Assistant referee 1: Samson Fisobe Assistant referee 2: Adama Nelson Fourth official: Emmanuel Ajewole Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos RIVERS UNITED V PLATEAU UNITED Referee: Abdulrasheed Jimoh Assistant referee 1: Habibu Salisu Assistant referee 2: Haruna Mohammed Fourth official: Justice Nwauzobilom Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt KUN KHALIFAT FC V WARRI WOLVES Referee: Abdulrahman Faro Assistant referee 1: Mohammed Yusuf Mawashi Assistant referee 2: Isiaka Musa Fourth official: Elder Tomiwa Akinwale Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri Monday, April 13, 2026 EL-KANEMI WARRIORS V NASARAWA UNITED Referee: Kassim Abdulsalam Assistant referee 1: Abubakar Sada Assistant referee 2: Abba Mammaga Fourth official: Nasiru Sani Kick-off: 4pm Venue: El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri
Abia Warriors, Bendel Insurance clash in race for continental spots
Continental-chasing Abia Warriors have are in Benin City ahead of Saturday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) against Bendel Insurance in a high-stakes encounter that is billed to give football followers value for their money. Fresh from a gritty and hard-earned triumph over Bayelsa United, Abia Warriors now turn their focus towards this crucial test in a decisive Matchday 34 fixture of the NPFL. Like a ship that has weathered the storm, and confidence steaming in their veins, the Warriors will deploy their defence systems and activate air-to-surface missiles to ward off Insurance attacks and initiate forays of their own, knowing that any indemnity from Bendel Insurance is as good as surrendering all three points at stake, which is tantamount to throwing in the towel on their continental aspirations. But the task ahead is anything but simple. The Benin Arsenals have proven to be a resilient and disciplined side, especially when playing on home soil, and they can equally be a hard nut to crack at away games, as they demonstrated in the reverse league fixture by holding Umu Chineke to a goalless draw at the Umuahia Township Stadium. The tide may have turned, but the winds of change are blowing, and the Warriors are ready to harness that energy to keep their dreams alive. As the season reaches its crescendo, the stakes have risen significantly. Abia Warriors sit fourth on the league table with 52 points and three points behind the table-toppers, while Bendel Insurance occupy the seventh position with 46 points. Recent meetings between the two sides paint a picture of a closely contested rivalry. In their last five encounters, Abia Warriors have claimed victory twice, Bendel Insurance triumphed once, while two ended in a barren draw. As the Warriors step onto the pitch in Benin, they will give it their all to leave Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with a positive result. Every pass, every tackle, every shot will echo with intent, as they are determined to sustain the momentum and chase Continental slots. INJURY UPDATE The Abia Warriors duo of Maxwell Kangeshima and Ayodele Ezekiel are doubtful for the trip to Benin City. © Abia Warriors Media
Big match feature: Ikorodu City v Kano Pillars
This is the fourth ever NPFL meeting between both teams and it is going to be a high-stakes match as both clubs are in the race for different aspirations in the run-in of the season. Ikorodu City since making their debut in the top division last season have been consistent on the standings at this time of the season – staying in the top-six position. For Kano Pillars, it has been a season of battling for survival following a poor start despite being one of the division’s heavyweights. This match surely would have big implications in the title race, chase for continental places and survival battles when the season eventually draws to a close. Kano Pillars have been inconsistent on the road considering they have taken only six points in 16 away matches all season and will have to contend against a City side that have made their Mobolaji Johnson Arena a fortress. Mohammed Baba Ganaru’s Kano Pillars would also face a City that loves to press high and dominate possession and use pace in attack when they play at home and one man who is like to cause them problems is one of the frontrunners in the top scorers race, Joseph Arumala who has scored 11 goals so far this season. Kano Pillars have an experienced squad that includes former Super Eagles winger Ahmed Musa and NPFL legend, Rabiu Ali who is the top-scoring player for the Kano club this season with seven goals. This game definitely has pitched a high pressing Ikorodu City team against a more cautious Kano Pillars side that will bank on counter-attacks. Both clubs have not disappointed in scoring goals in their previous three meetings and it is expected that Ikorodu City’s strong home form and Kano Pillars’ poor run on the road will define the outcome of this fixture. HEAD-TO-HEAD Sept 8, 2024: Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City Jan 29, 2025: Ikorodu City 4-1 Kano Pillars Nov 24: 2025: Kano Pillars 2-1 Ikorodu City NEXT 5 GAMES IKORODU CITY MD34: Kano Pillars (H) MD35: Abia Warriors (A) MD36: Wikki (H) MD37: Katsina Utd (A) MD38: Rangers (H) KANO PILLARS MD34: Ikorodu City (A) MD35: Rivers Utd (H) MD36: Kun Khalifat (A) MD37: Warri Wolves (H) MD38: Plateau Utd (A)
Mangut ready for run-in with Nasarawa Utd
Nasarawa United head coach/technical adviser, Mbwas Mangut, has said his team are ready for the final five matchweeks of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. Mangut’s men are currently placed fifth on the table with 50 points, five behind leaders Rangers and will head to the Northeast to face El-Kanemi Warriors this Sunday. In a meeting with the club’s management following a shock 0-1 defeat last weekend to bottom-placed Kun Khalifat FC, Mangut assured that they are focused on either a continental place or the title race. ”As we enter the final five games of the season, I wish to assure you that we have summoned the resilience that has defined our club’s storied history. ”The time for reckoning is upon us; we will rise to the occasion and ensure that the remaining part of our campaign concludes on a note of dignity and competitiveness. ”Let me assure our dedicated and loyal supporters and fans across the globe that we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to address the issues that have led to our recent predicament. ”No doubt, your support remains our greatest strength, and we ask that you continue to stand by us as we navigate these challenging times. ”From our general resolve, we are regrouping, reassessing and recommitting ourselves to the pursuit of a continental ticket, and possibly lay our hands on the NPFL trophy,” he said. Mangut further assured that they have put the home defeat to Kun Khalifat FC behind and “have resolved to rise and fight” till the end of the season. ”How we end the season shouldn’t be defined by a single result because we have resolved to rise and fight, and emerge stronger from the ashes of previous defeats,” he said.
Bendel Insurance apologises to NPFL, NRA as Boboye gets cautioned
Rangers International striker Godwin Obaje has disclosed that he wants to win the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the top scorer’s award this season. Obaje is one of the frontrunners in the race for the highest goalscorer award in the NPFL this season as he has scored 11 goals, which is equalled by the duo of Ikorodu City’s Joseph Arumala and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors. DOUBLE TARGET The former Plateau United and Wikki Tourists man did not mince words in making his aspirations known by declaring that he is keen to win the top scorer’s award and the league title in the colours of the Flying Antelopes in this campaign. He explained that he would be particularly happy to win the league title, considering that it would be “a life-changing” experience for his younger teammates at Rangers. ”I believe I can win the highest goalscorer award. I am sure I can win it. But my main target is to see my team win the title at the end of the season because we have many young players who now have the chance to win their first (major) trophy. And this is a life-changing advantage for them. So I will be very happy to see Rangers win the trophy,” he told NPFL.com.ng. SECRETS TO LONGEVITY Obaje, who has made more than 260 verifiable NPFL appearances and scored 96 goals, revealed that he has been able to keep going in the top division due to “God and prayers, hardwork and self-discipline.” He disclosed that he puts staying disciplined as a major trait in his longevity. ”I think what keeps me going this year is God and prayers, hard work, and self-discipline. For anything I am doing, discipline is very important,” he explained. GOALS TARGET When he is prodded on a possible numerical target of goals he aims to achieve at the end of this season, Obaje simply left it open, saying he just wants to “score more goals as possible.” ”My target for the season is for me to score as many goals as is possible to help my team,” the 30-year-old Rangers forward said. Obaje, who admires former Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has scored 11 goals in 28 league appearances this season.
Obaje eyes double NPFL honours
Rangers International striker Godwin Obaje has disclosed that he wants to win the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the top scorer’s award this season. Obaje is one of the frontrunners in the race for the highest goalscorer award in the NPFL this season as he has scored 11 goals, which is equalled by the duo of Ikorodu City’s Joseph Arumala and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors. DOUBLE TARGET The former Plateau United and Wikki Tourists man did not mince words in making his aspirations known by declaring that he is keen to win the top scorer’s award and the league title in the colours of the Flying Antelopes in this campaign. He explained that he would be particularly happy to win the league title, considering that it would be “a life-changing” experience for his younger teammates at Rangers. ”I believe I can win the highest goalscorer award. I am sure I can win it. But my main target is to see my team win the title at the end of the season because we have many young players who now have the chance to win their first (major) trophy. And this is a life-changing advantage for them. So I will be very happy to see Rangers win the trophy,” he told NPFL.com.ng. SECRETS TO LONGEVITY Obaje, who has made more than 260 verifiable NPFL appearances and scored 96 goals, revealed that he has been able to keep going in the top division due to “God and prayers, hardwork and self-discipline.” He disclosed that he puts staying disciplined as a major trait in his longevity. ”I think what keeps me going this year is God and prayers, hard work, and self-discipline. For anything I am doing, discipline is very important,” he explained. GOALS TARGET When he is prodded on a possible numerical target of goals he aims to achieve at the end of this season, Obaje simply left it open, saying he just wants to “score more goals as possible.” ”My target for the season is for me to score as many goals as is possible to help my team,” the 30-year-old Rangers forward said. Obaje, who admires former Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has scored 11 goals in 28 league appearances this season.
