By George Akpayen Kennedy Boboye needed 33 calendar days and five matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to finally claim his first win since taking charge at Bendel Insurance on October 21 this year. Boboye however had to watch in animated mood on the sidelines as his men dug deep to earn him his first full points with the Benin Arsenals in a nervy 3-2 win over bottom-placed Kano Pillars in Saturday’s only fixture in Nigeria’s top division at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The former Plateau United manager and his Kano Pillars counterpart, Mohammed Baba Ganaru began the matchweek in bottom-two places and interesting both of them prior to Saturday’s meeting were yet to win any game since taking up appointments as head coach of their respective clubs. Boboye was on a run of four winless matches (D3 L1) while Baba Ganaru, brought in to help Kano Pillars out of danger in late October, had managed to take a point out of nine (D1 L2). It all began on a good note for Boboye’s team when Kayode Oke handed them the lead on 17 minutes in this early relegation six-pointer in the season and it was all looking like a familiar story for the Sai Masu Gida who have struggled to make any sort of impact in the early stages of this campaign. But in five crazy minutes before halftime, Kano Pillars found themselves in front despite the soggy condition of the Benin City stadium following heavy rain. Rabiu Ali levelled the score from the spot on 34 minutes before Chiedozie Okorie’s brilliant strike handed Kano Pillars the lead four minutes to the shock of the home side’s bench and supporters. At the break, Boboye and his men trailed and it looked like the game had slipped out of their hands. At the start of the second half, the rain had subsided and Bendel Insurance swung into the action and pinned Kano Pillars in their half for most of the early parts of the restart. The pressure paid off 15 minutes to time when Emmanuel Dung fired Bendel Insurance back into the contest from inside the box to draw them level at 2-2. Kano Pillars at this point were sixes and sevens after Baba Ganaru had made changes in a bid to protect his side’s one-goal lead including yanking off Rabiu Ali for a more defensive Habibu Yakubu in one of his substitutions. Two minutes to time, Bendel Insurance regained the lead. Emmanuel Akpan waltzed his way past his marker on the left channel and his cross-cum-shot was turned into the net by a Kano Pillars player for an own goal. The subdued reaction of the Kano Pillars players and their bench captured the story of another bad day in the office for Sai Masu Gida who remain rooted to the bottom of the NPFL standings. Bendel Insurance, on the other hand, climb out of the bottom-two but remain within danger of the last four on the table. Matchday 13 of the NPFL continues on Sunday and Monday with eight more matches as the clash between Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Remo Stars has been postponed owing to the former’s ground being used for the PDP convention.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 13
There will be nine matches on offer this matchweek as the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) versus Remo Stars game is postponed as the venue is scheduled to play host to another event on Saturday. Six of the nine games are live on NPFL-Live powered by Propel Sports including one game on Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Here are also the match officials appointed for this gameweek: Saturday, November 15, 2025 BENDEL INSURANCE V KANO PILLARS (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Chineme Ajibo Assistant referee 1: Smart Udeh Assistant referee 2: Folashade Ekun Fourth official: Babatunde C. Adewebi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City Sunday, November 16, 2025 EL-KANEMI WARRIORS V KWARA UNITED Referee: Noah Adejoh Assistant referee 1: Mukhtari Usman Assistant referee 2: Jamilu Hamisu Fourth official: Bala Aliyu Kyari Kick-off: 4pm Venue: El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri SHOOTING STARS SPORTS CLUB (3SC) V REMO STARS (Postponed; Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Mohammed Kawu Dahiru Assistant referee 1: Kehinde Joseph Onaleye Assistant referee 2: Muazu Dahiru Fourth official: Damilola Oloyede Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan NIGER TORNADOES V KATSINA UNITED Referee: Abdulganiyu Abdulmalik Assistant referee 1: Abba Dada Baba Assistant referee 2: Stanley Osunde Fourth official: Usman Abdullahi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna ENYIMBA V WIKKI TOURISTS (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Ridwan Ayeni Assistant referee 1: Alhassan Z. Bello Assistant referee 2: Gbenga Akomolafe Fourth official: Friday Abu Emeje Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba BAYELSA UNITED V ABIA WARRIORS (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Adeniji Abdulrahman Assistant referee 1: Ahmed Mohammed Bagudu Assistant referee 2: Kayode Ayodeji Adeniyi Fourth official: Oluwatosin Omotoye Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa IKORODU CITY V PLATEAU UNITED (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Alohan Osakpamwan Assistant referee 1: Ota Joel Onoh Assistant referee 2: Samson Ikpi Womi Fourth official: Uchenna Enyadike Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos RIVERS UNITED V WARRI WOLVES (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports & FRCN) Referee: Ahmad Rabiu Assistant referee 1: Salihu Aminu Assistant referee 2: Indabawa Yusuf Fourth official: Bright Nwosu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt KUN KHALIFAT FC V NASARAWA UNITED Referee: Abdulrasheed Jimoh Assistant referee 1: Imuetinyan Ikpowonsa Assistant referee 2: Victor Akokoba Fourth official: Felagha Johnbull Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri Monday, November 17, 2025 BARAU FC V RANGERS (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Salam Olabode Idris Assistant referee 1: Abdulwahab Bakare Assistant referee 2: Ridwan Lawal Fourth official: Rashidat Abdulganiyu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano
What NPFL and Inview Technology (DSO) broadcast partnership brings to the league
In a major stride for Nigerian sports media, Inview Technology (Operators of Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over – DSO), and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which is packed with potentials to transform the broadcast, marketing, and commercial ecosystem of club football in Nigeria. Chairman of the NPFL, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, in his first public comments since signing the partnership, described it as the game changer that the league has been so much in need of. “The partnership aims to deliver world-class live coverage, centralized content management, and unified sponsorship and marketing strategies, enhancing fan engagement while unlocking new revenue opportunities for clubs and stakeholders”, remarked the NPFL Chairman. Consistent with its tech-driven operations, Inview Technology DSO will deploy end-to-end broadcast and streaming solutions, establish a dedicated NPFL TV channel “AfroSoccer”, and ensure international production standards with local technical training. On the other hand, the NPFL will provide coordination, regulatory support, and access to league fixtures, venues, and clubs. “We will stretch ourselves in the area of operations to provide the enabling platform for our partners to implement the great strategies they are bringing”, he added. To enrich fans experiences viewers of television and those watching on hand held devices in the stadium or elsewhere, will enjoy a high-definition, interactive experience through the AfroSoccer free-to-air channel, the FreeTV Mobile App, and across 25+ partner television channels, ensuring NPFL matches are accessible to fans nationwide. The FreeTV App allows users to pause, rewind, replay, or watch their favorite matches on-demand—anytime and anywhere. The collaboration is set to elevate the NPFL’s global profile, strengthen commercial opportunities, and build local capacity in sports media production—ushering in a new era for Nigerian football broadcasting.
Wikki’s Nasiru ‘Baggio’ Jibrin stars with late goal over Niger Tornadoes
Nasiru Jibrin nicknamed Baggio was the hero for Wikki Tourists as he popped up at the death to score his side’s winning goal to see off Niger Tornadoes by the odd goal in one of Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixtures. The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium erupted in wild celebrations Jibrin fired home an 87th-minute winner to seal the winner for Wikki. Jibrin needed just a little over half an hour to make his impact felt after Wikki head coach, Abdu Maikaba sent him on to replace Sadeeq Abdullahi. From the first whistle to the last, the Bauchi Elephants dominated play, dictating possession and creating several chances but poor finishing and Tornadoes’ tough defending kept the game goalless for most of the evening. Just when hope seemed lost, Nasiru Jibrin rose to the occasion, breaking the deadlock and sending the home crowd into pure jubilation. After the match, a delighted Maikaba praised his players’ resilience and determination. “It was a tough one, but the boys showed great spirit. We’ll now shift focus to our next game against Enyimba in Aba, and we aim to keep this winning mentality,” said Maikaba. Wikki Tourists will look to build on their win against Niger Tornadoes when they make the trip to Aba to face record NPFL winners Enyimba.
Eguma happy with shared points at Abia Warriors after Abia Derby
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
