Enyimba head coach, Stanley Eguma, has expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance in the 0-0 draw at Abia Warriors in one of Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixtures. Eguma described the match as “a highly tactical game,” adding that taking a point away from Umuahia is a good outcome considering Abia Warriors’ quality. “It was generally a good game; the two teams played a high tactical game. “We are happy to have got the draw although we planned for the maximum points, but we met a stubborn side in Abia Warriors,” Eguma said after the match. The former Rivers United manager praised his players for sticking to their game-plan, and is optimistic that his Enyimba side will build on the draw at Abia Warriors in their coming NPFL matches. “Our opponents are a good side, no doubt, and my boys played according to our game plan. We will continue to build on the progress in our subsequent games,” said Eguma. The point taken off Abia Warriors lifted Enyimba into top six places ahead of their next match against Wikki Tourists in Aba.
Kwara Utd grind draw against table-topping Nasarawa Utd in Lafia
Kwara United on Sunday held table-toppers Nasarawa United to a 1–1 draw in a Matchday 12 clash of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Lafia City Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak. The hosts took an early lead just two minutes into the game through Yusuf Anas, sending the home crowd into wild jubilation. But the Harmony Boys quickly settled into the game, dominating possession and pushing for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Johnmark Aule levelled the score after a fine build-up play involving Gidado Toheeb and Babatunde Bright. Kwara United sustained their momentum in the second half, coming close to snatching all three points with late efforts from Junior Aimufua and Alao Mohammed, but the Nasarawa defence held firm. Kwara United goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus, alongside Yahaya Ibrahim and Arinze Ogbonna, produced a composed defensive display to keep the hosts at bay after an early lapse led to Nasarawa’s opener. In his post-match reaction, Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman said his side were unfortunate not to have secured victory, adding that the early goal conceded spurred his players to respond with greater intensity. He noted that the early goal boosted the team’s confidence and made the boys fight harder, assuring that the team will keep pushing and take each game as it comes. Kwara United currently sit in seventh place on the NPFL table with 17 points after 12 matches and will travel to Maiduguri next weekend to face El-Kanemi Warriors. Nasarawa United remain in top spot and will head to Owerri to face new boys, Kun Khalifat FC in the next matchweek.
NPFL clarifies Katsina stadium incident, says no player was knived
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is constrained to offer the accurate and correct account of events in the second half of the Matchday 12 fixture at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina between Katsina United and Barau FC. It is imperative to let stakeholders know that the NPFL Office maintains an active Situation Room with all Match Commissioners, and through this medium, we monitor and direct affairs to ensure hitch-free matches. The report of violent attack to the extent of slitting the throat of a player, Abraham Nana of Barau FC is utterly false. The player was hurt by an object hauled from the stands and was treated on the pitch which led to the match being halted for a few minutes. The NPFL was at all material time in touch with the Match Commissioner and Officials of both teams to have a first hand information of proceedings. Appropriate sanctions have been meted to Katsina United for breaches established by our analysis of reports from the match officials including the Referee and the Match Commissioner. The NPFL will continue to uphold the rules to ensure fair competition and exciting league under safe atmosphere. The public is once again reassured of safety at our matches through control measures put in place.
Barau FC, Katsina Utd share points in gritty contest
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) new boys, Barau FC, rescued a point off Katsina United in Saturday’s only fixture on Matchday 12 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. The match ended 1-1. It was a strong starting side that Katsina United head coach Azeez Audu Mohammed named despite leaving goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo on the bench. Captain Usman Barau, Uche Collins, Azeez Falolu and Abdullahi Zalli made were among the starters. Barau FC head coach Ladan Bosso included the duo of Adamu Hussain and Nura Abdulbari for the first time in the matchday squad this season while Samuel Mathias, Emmanuel Okoko and Ghanaian Nana Abraham took the midfield places. It was Katsina United that started stronger when Ismail Muhammad’s attempt stung the palms of Barau goalkeeper Yusuf Muhammad on five minutes. The opening moments were also characterised by physical play rather than technical and it made difficult for both sides to create anything meaningful attackwise owing to the stop-start flow. Both goals due to the physicality of the two sides did not come from free-flowing style but dead-ball situations. On 38 minutes, Uche Collins headed in the ball off a corner kick to give Katsina United the lead which proved the difference at halftime. The style of play did not change in the second half as it looked more like a brawl with both teams showing their physical side. The Maliya Boys found a way back into the contest when defender Orji Kalu popped up front for a setpiece to score from a follow-up after Katsina United could not clear their lines. Audu’s men pushed for one last chance to claim the full points inside eight added minutes but it ended in the share of points that still leaves Barau FC in the bottom-three while Katsina United take up seventh place until Sunday’s fixtures.
Things to watch out for this matchweek
Here are the major talking points ahead of this matchday that covers the derby in Abia, Kano Pillars’ poor run, battle for top spot and the champions’ stuttering form. WHO WINS THE BRAGGING RIGHTS IN THE 20TH ABIA DERBY? This will be the 20th Abia Derby meeting between Abia Warriors and Enyimba. The latter have had the say in this battle of big and small brother. Enyimba have won 12 of the previous meetings with four ending in draws. Four of Enyimba’s win have come from the home of Warriors. This derby has accounted for 46 goals. So it is now a matter of who blinks first. Abia Warriors under Imama Amapakabo has been in fine form which has kept them in second place while Enyimba have put in a stop-start run leading to their head coach, Stanley Eguma being handed a two-game sit-up warning. It is difficult to call who will win this but expect fireworks in Umuahia this Sunday. CAN OBIOMA HURT HIS FORMER EMPLOYERS? Talking of the ex-factor, Emeka Obioma is expected to feature in the Abia Derby. He has scored three goals in eight appearances since joining Warriors and has been one of those pushing the charge of the Umuahia’s impressive start to the campaign. Obioma has played in this derby before and knows what is at stake and is sure to give his Warriors teammates some kind of heads up. It will be interesting if the striker returns to haunt his former club when they meet this Sunday considering he is in a decent form going into this contest. WILL BABA GANARU FINALLY BRING AN END TO KANO PILLARS’ MISERY? It is the worst start by Kano Pillars in the modern era of the NPFL. They have won just two matches in 10 since the start of this season (W2 D2 L6) including their last three league matches. Well Mohammed Baba Ganaru madea return to the club he once led to the league title ina bid to save them from their miserable start. Unfortunately, Baba Ganaru’s return has not sparked off that resurgence. He has lost his first two matches in charge without scoring any goal and he knows they need to start getting points on the board to climb out of their current bottom position or risk being relegated this season. CAN BOBOYE FINALLY GET HIS FIRST WIN WITH BENDEL INSURANCE? Bendel Insurance like Kano Pillars are trapped in the bottom-four owing to poor form and they have also brought in a new coach recently to steer them out of danger. Kennedy Boboye has already taken charge but is yet to win a match in three outings which have all ended in draws. Boboye is keen to get off the mark at Bendel Insurance and has acknowledged that his team need to “keep pushing” until they get it right. So will they get it right in Jos where they face Plateau United on Sunday? WILL WOLVES END IKORODU CITY’S IMPRESSIVE UNDEFEATED & CLEAN SHEET RUN? The Warri Wolves versus Ikorodu City fixture is surely one with plenty of interests. Both sides are in the top-four of the standings currently and have also been in brilliant run of form. Wolves are unbeaten in five matches on the spin while City have done one better than their opponents for this Sunday’s fixture. The interesting part is that City have taken things one notch up by going four matches without conceding. Wolves sure do have a game in their hands at their Ozoro stadium because the Oga Boys are not afraid to play anywhere considering their present form. So it will be a case of who wants it more. Wolves could end City’s run or it could be the other way round. CAN NASARAWA UNITED KEEP TOP SPOT? After coming back from behind to defeat the champions, Remo Stars in midweek, Nasarawa United reclaimed top spot once again by displacing Abia Warriors. However their lead at the summit is just one point as they play hosts to Kwara United this Sunday. Mbwas Mangut and his men know that a win of any kind will keep them on top of the table for another matchday irrespective of what happens elsewhere in the country this weekend and on Monday. CAN UZOHO’S MEN UPSET RIVERS UNITED & END THEIR FINE ROAD FORM? Rivers United are currently the only side in the NPFL yet to lose on the road this season. They have drawn all three away games so far and will want to continue with their unbeaten away streak. But new boys, Kun Khalifat FC now stand in their way of that run. Obinna Uzoho’s side have not folded at the sight of big teams as they have inflicted huge blows on two former champions, Enyimba and Bayelsa United. The Owerri club will definitely fancy their chances against a Rivers United team that usually set up defensively on the road in the opening moments of their matches. DO THE REMO STARS STILL HAVE CHAMPIONS STUFF AHEAD EL-KANEMI CLASH? The big question on the lips of everyone following the NPFL is what is wrong with the champions, Remo Stars. They have been in an abysmal run of form, losing all of their five matches in all competitions including the defeat over two legs to South African side, Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League. Add to that, speculation were rife that their head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede had left since he was no where near the team’s technical bench in recent matches but that has now been quashed by a statement from the club. The concern of the Sky Blue Stars faithful is ‘can their team show champions stuff again like last season by the time they face El-Kanemi Warriors on Sunday in Abeokuta. Sunday is just around the corner to wait and see.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 12
Here are the match referees for this matchweek as there will be SEVEN live matches across NPFL-Live powered by Propel Sports and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN): Saturday, November 8, 2025 KATSINA UNITED V BARAU FC (Live on NPFL-Live) Referee: Grema Mohammed Assistant referee 1: Sufiyanu Bazza Assistant referee 2: Zachi Muhammad Fourth official: Idris Ibrahim Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina Sunday, November 9, 2025 RANGERS V 3SC (Live on NPFL-Live) Referee: Bashir Salisu Assistant referee 1: Mahmud Yakubu Assistant referee 2: Emmanuel Omada Fourth official: Donald Magashi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu WIKKI TOURISTS V NIGER TORNADOES (Live on NPFL-Live) Referee: Kasim Abdulsalam Assistant referee 1: Muhammad Mammaga Assistant referee 2: Haruna Abdullahi Fourth official: Umar Sanusi Idris Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi ABIA WARRIORS V ENYIMBA (Live on NPFL-Live) Referee: Patience Ndidi Madu Assistant referee 1: Tejiri Digbori Assistant referee 2: Faith Agbons Fourth official: Iraneus Ezeobele Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Umuahia Township Stadium, Umuahia WARRI WOLVES V IKORODU CITY Referee: Alfa Sadik Assistant referee 1: Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha Assistant referee 2: Samuel Pwadutakam Fourth official: Okechukwu Ezeogu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro NASARAWA UNITED V KWARA UNITED Referee: Dr Joseph Ogabor Assistant referee 1: Bobby Yali Assistant referee 2: Friday Francis Fourth official: Yahaya Ikara Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lafia City Stadium, Lafia KANO PILLARS V BAYELSA UNITED Referee: Nura Abubakar Assistant referee 1: Anuoluwapo Balogun Assistant referee 2: Bashir Auwal Muhammad Fourth official: Tijjani Usman Majidadi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina Monday, November 10, 2025 REMO STARS V EL-KANEMI WARRIORS Referee: Justin Chidera Assistant referee 1: Abibat Yusuf Assistant referee 2: Uche Ndiokwere Fourth official: Arewaremi Emimene Kick-off: 4pm Venue: MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta PLATEAU UNITED V BENDEL INSURANCE (Live on NPFL-Live & FRCN) Referee: Yusuf Garba Assistant referee 1: Mustapha Dahiru Assistant referee 2: Muhammad Ibrahim Gusau Fourth official: Kenneth Benjamin Kick-off: 4pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos KUN KHALIFAT FC V RIVERS UNITED (Live on NPFL-Live) Referee: Quadri Adejumo Assistant referee 1: Beauty Terah Assistant referee 2: Ber Simon Terungwa Fourth official: Sodiq Adejumoh Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri
Nasarawa Utd back at the top as Boboye waits for first win
Nasarawa United reclaimed top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football eague (NPFL) after coming from behind to see off champions Remo Stars 2-1 in a rearranged fixture at the Lafia City Stadium on Thursday. The champions took an early lead through Michael Ibe Okoro on five minutes and it looked like the Sky Blue Stars will shake off their poor run of form which has led to speculations of the departure of their head coach Daniel Ogunmodede – a story already debunked by the club. Ibe’s goal surely stirred the fire in the Solid Miners as they swarmed on the visiting side and pegged them back for most of the opening exchanges of the first half. On 32 minutes, John Joshua drew Nasarawa United level as the match went into the break tied at 1-1. Thirteen minutes into the second half, Malian forward Adama Goita nearly restored the champions lead but watched as his attempt missed target. It was Nasarawa United that would end up claiming the full points when JoFrank Istifanus scored the winner in the 79th minute despite the Sky Blue Stars’ best attempt to even the score in the final moments of the contest. Nasarawa United move back to the top of the NPFL standings with 22 points, one ahead of second-placed Abia Warriors while Remo Stars remain in the bottom-four. In Benin City, Kennedy Boboye was made to wait by an organised Rivers United for his first win since taking the reins at Bendel Insurance. Boboye has been in charge of three matches so far since replacing Greg Ikhenoba and all three games have ended in draws. Bendel Insurance and Rivers United will now turn their attention to the next matchday when they face Plateau United and Kun Khalifat FC on the road.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 11
Referees for this matchweek have been named as we have a full cast of fixtures. Seven of the matches will be streamed live on NPFL-Live powered by Propel Sports including one match on the dial of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Saturday, November 1, 2025 KWARA UNITED V REMO STARS (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Muktar Hassan Assistant referee 1: Nalado Abdullahi Assistant referee 2: Zango Muhammad Fourth official: Ekene Chanumuya Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin BENDEL INSURANCE V WARRI WOLVES (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Jude Tyaopine Assistant referee 1: Gerald Anyam Assistant referee 2: Yusuf Kana Zubairu Fourth official: Ben Chilaka Igwe Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City Sunday, November 2, 2025 EL-KANEMI WARRIORS V RANGERS Referee: Eric Kwamga Assistant referee 1: Shittu Muhammad Lawan Assistant referee 2: Michael Ubah Fourth official: Zubairu Abubakar Kick-off: 4pm Venue: El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri BAYELSA UNITED V PLATEAU UNITED Referee: Ezichi Kalu Udo Assistant referee 1: Steven Nwadukwe Assistant referee 2: Fatai Yunusa Fourth official: Michael Ibaki Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa IKORODU CITY V KUN KHALIFAT FC (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports & FRCN) Referee: Suleiman Ibrahim Assistant referee 1: Dauda Ayuba Yusuf Assistant referee 2: Ridwan Ajao Fourth official: Daniel Mark Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos BARAU FC V WIKKI TOURISTS (Live on NPFL-Live) Referee: Yahaya Abubakar Assistant referee 1: Ephraim Panum Jatau Assistant referee 2: Muhammad Uba Fourth official: Muhammad Chado Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano NIGER TORNADOES V ABIA WARRIORS Referee: Nasiru Sani Assistant referee 1: Usman Uba Assistant referee 2: Anas Ibrahim Fourth official: Muhammad Ahmad Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna SHOOTING STARS SPORTS CLUB (3SC) V KATSINA UNITED (Live on NPFL-Live) Referee: Malik Madaki Assistant referee 1: Chinonso Ezeh Assistant referee 2: Musa Adamu Bako Fourth official: Shina Emmanuel Iranloye Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan ENYIMBA V KANO PILLARS (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Jeremiah Stanley Osunde Assistant referee 1: Lewis Gwantana Assistant referee 2: Umar Ibrahim Fourth official: Emmanuel Ekawu Ogar Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba RIVERS UNITED V NASARAWA UNITED (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Emmanuel Rotimi Kehinde Assistant referee 1: Busayo Ogunyanmodi Assistant referee 2: Samuel O. Akinlade Fourth official: Kingsley Chukwukerem Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt
Nchekwube makes goalkeeping claim at Niger Tornadoes
Ifeanyi Nchekwube Emmanuel may not be regarded as one of big names between the sticks in the country but the shot-stopper is gradually carving a name for himself in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with Niger Tornadoes in the current campaign. Nchekwube’s performance has somehow coincided with the club’s climb in the table. He has kept four clean sheets in 10 league appearances which has ranked him among the top-10 goalkeepers in the country’s elite division so far. His clean sheets have come against Nasarawa United, Bayelsa United, Plateau United and Nasarawa United. Since joining the Ikon Allah Boys from Inter Lagos, Nchekwube has made an instant impact, showcasing commanding performances that have earned him widespread praise from home and away fans. Niger Tornadoes have a history of producing great goalkeepers, from Atuga Ndanusa to Mustapha ‘Aliko’ Salihu both whom made their names in between the sticks, including keeping for the national team. Ifeanyi’s recent heroics have been instrumental in Niger Tornadoes’ strong run, and he’s been a rock at the back, marshalling the defence with authority, while helping Tornadoes regain their footing in the NPFL, and his contributions have been vital to their success so far. Nchekwube’s impressive physical presence, athletic ability, and intelligent reading of the game make him a formidable goalkeeper. His height gives him a commanding presence in the box, allowing him to dominate aerial duels and claim crosses with ease. His agility and quick reflexes also enable him to make crucial saves on the ground, making him a versatile and reliable shot-stopper. As the Ikon Allah Boys look to build on their momentum, Nchekwube’s performances will undoubtedly be crucial. He’s a key player for the team, starting all the 10 NPFL games so far and his ability to keep clean sheets has given his team a solid foundation to launch their attacks. With his talent and dedication, Ifeanyi Nchekwube is certainly reenacting the glory days of Niger Tornadoes, and fans are loving every minute of it. When translated to English Language from his mother tongue Igbo, Nchekwube simply means trust. Like his name suggests, he has earned the trust of Niger Tornadoes head coach, Majin Mohammed and that is why he has featured in all 10 matches of his team so far. There are still 28 matchweeks to navigate and the former Akwa United man will want to continue to hold down the number one position ahead of the other goalkeepers at Niger Tornadoes.
Pressure mounts on Eguma at Enyimba after defeat in Jos
Enyimba head coach, Stanley Eguma is racing against time to worm his way into the hearts of his employers who are currently displeased with the recent poor run of the club in this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The People’s Elephant began the campaign on an impressive note going seven matches unbeaten (W3 D4) but that has now been followed by three straight defeats including a 1-2 home loss to promoted side, Warri Wolves. The Nwankwo Kanu led management of Enyimba has opted to tighten the screw on Eguma and his backroom staff “following a string of underwhelming results.” The decision was taken immediately after Enyimba suffered a third successive defeat over the weekend when they fell 1-2 on the road at Plateau United. “The Management of Enyimba Football Club has issued a two-match ultimatum to the team’s Technical Adviser, Coach Stanley Eguma, following a string of underwhelming results in the ongoing 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. “The decision was reached after a review of the club’s management on Monday, in the wake of the team’s 2–1 defeat to Plateau United on Matchday 10 at the New Jos Stadium — the club’s third consecutive league loss following previous defeats to Warri Wolves in Aba and Kun Khalifat FC in Owerri,” the statement from Enyimba read. Eguma has the games against Kano Pillars in Aba and the Abia Derby away to Abia Warriors to once again earn the confidence of his employers. The former Rivers United head coach took charge at the People’s Elephant in December 2024 and has since taken charge of 32 league matches.
