It is still early days in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season but the rave review has started filtering in for the top performers so far and one of such is Wikki Tourists attacking midfielder, Jonathan Mairiga. Mairiga has made eight appearances and scored four goals for the Giant Elephant. His goals have come against some of the league’s top clubs including traditional sides, Rangers International and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC). Mairiga’s other goals were against Abia Warriors and Kwara United. On Sunday, Mairiga further underscored why he is an important asset in the playing personnel of Wikki Tourists when he scored a brilliant goal with an overhead kick from close range to help his club to a 2-0 success against Shooting Stars. He has scored three goals and provided an assist in his last five NPFL appearances for Wikki and that has made him a hot property in the country at the moment. Mairiga’s flair, confidence, and composure in front of goal have earned him the admiration of fans and pundits alike. Week after week, he continues to show that he is not just a rising star, he’s the future of the game. With his pace, creativity, and hunger to succeed, Mairiga represents the new face of Wikki Tourists’ rebuilding project under the club’s head coach Abdu Maikaba. His consistency and work ethic make him one of the most promising young talents to watch in the league. Keep your eyes on Jonathan Mairiga, the Wikki boy wonder who is turning dreams into goals.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 10
Here’s the referees to handle the fixtures for this matchweek. Six of the matches will be broadcast LIVE on NPFL-Live on the streaming platform of Propel Sports Africa and the dial of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Friday, October 24, 2025 KATSINA UNITED V EL-KANEMI WARRIORS (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Mudashiru Adamu Assistant referee 1: Tajudeen Bako Assistant referee 2: Fisobe Samson Fourth official: Usman Abdullahi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina Saturday, October 25, 2025 KANO PILLARS V NIGER TORNADOES (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Adeniyi Adewale Assistant referee 1: Ojo Olusegun Ayinde Assistant referee 2: Olayiwola M. Oladoja Fourth official: Ibrahim Ahmad Lamido Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina Sunday, October 26, 2025 WARRI WOLVES V BAYELSA UNITED Referee: Nsisong IbuotHere’s Assistant referee 1: Linus Akobi Ogar Assistant referee 2: Austin Onyika Fourth official: Sodiari Cookey Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro RANGERS V KWARA UNITED (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Edwin Chima Anyanwu Assistant referee 1: Jimmy Aimuagbonrie Assistant referee 2: Amos Ogundu Fourth official: Felagha Anderson Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu ABIA WARRIORS V BARAU FC (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Muhammad Zakari Assistant referee 1: Emmanuel Ajewole Assistant referee 2: Sambo Muhammad Fourth official: Morrison Otuwho Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Umuahia Township Stadium, Umuahia WIKKI TOURISTS V 3SC (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Bala Aliyu Kyari Assistant referee 1: Nasiru Iyal Mafara Assistant referee 2: Mansur N. Mahmud Fourth official: Abdulmajid Saidu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi PLATEAU UNITED V ENYIMBA (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports & FRCN) Referee: Haruna Isa Kalshingi Assistant referee 1: Olatunde Abdulmajeed Assistant referee 2: Abdullahi Shuaibu Fourth official: Isah Aliyu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos KUN KHALIFAT FC V BENDEL INSURANCE Referee: Adamu Yakubu Assistant referee 1: Yazid Bashir Assistant referee 2: Sani Zakari Fourth official: Oluwaseun Omotoye Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri Wednesday, October 29, 2025 RIVERS UNITED V IKORODU CITY Referee: Isah Hassan Gogo Assistant referee 1: Habu Maimuri Assistant referee 2: Solomon Hindan Fourth official: Ibeneme Ifeanyi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt Wednesday, November 5, 2025 NASARAWA UNITED V REMO STARS Referee: Yusuf Garba Assistant referee 1: Yusuf Muhammad Mawashi Assistant referee 2: Sha’arani Guza Fourth official: Bukar Ciroma Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lafia City Stadium, Lafia
Kwara Utd unveil Ashifat Suleiman as new coach
Kwara United have officially unveiled Ashifat Suleiman as the new head coach/technical adviser for the remainder of the season, with an option for extension at end of the season. The unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday at the club’s office, with chairman Kumbi Titiloye represented by the club’s general manager, Mallam Bashir Badawiy. Speaking at the event, Titiloye described Suleiman as someone deeply familiar with the club’s structure and philosophy, having worked with the team for several years. He expressed confidence that the new coach’s understanding of the club’s values would serve as his guiding principle moving forward. Badawiy likened football to a breeze that can blow in any direction, saying the opportunity has now blown in the direction of Suleiman. He added that the management has full confidence in Suleiman’s ability to lead the team to success, noting the positive influence he has had in his short time in charge. He explained that within the last three games, Suleiman has shown a great sense of belonging and commitment to the players, and that the management is fully behind him as they begin another chapter in the club’s history. In his remarks, Suleiman expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to work closely with his technical crew to achieve the club’s objectives. He stated that his target is to retain the Federation Cup and go all out to win the league this season. The new coach emphasized that his football philosophy revolves around creativity and possession-based play, and he called on fans and supporters to rally behind the team as they aim for greater success.
From assistant to boss: Ashifat steps up at Kwara United
At the sound of the final whistle in Ilorin on October 5, 2025, following Kwara United’s 1–0 defeat to Abia Warriors, it wasn’t just another loss, ait signaled the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. In swift response, the club’s management parted ways with Coach Tunde Sanni and handed the team’s future to a familiar face, Coach Ashifat Suleiman, popularly known as Coach Brazil. For years, Coach Brazil has worked quietly behind the scenes as an assistant to Abdullahi Bala, Abdullahi Biffo, and most recently, Tunde Sanni. His influence has long been evident in the team’s style, discipline, and fighting spirit. Now, the man who once stood just behind the touchline steps forward to lead the Harmony Boys from the front. This appointment is more than a routine replacement, it’s a statement of continuity, identity, and trust. By choosing Coach Brazil, Kwara United have opted for stability over uncertainty, a decision rooted in the belief that the solutions they seek may already lie within their own ranks. In a recent interview, the club’s chairman, Kunbi Titiloye, expressed full confidence in the new gaffer, making it clear that Suleiman’s appointment is not on an interim basis but a full-time charge, one aimed at writing a new chapter in the club’s history. “Coach Suleiman Ashifat is capable of leading the team. He has been with the team for over ten years. We’ve seen his training schedule, he has worked with Coach Biffo, and we have no complaints from the management,” Kunbi Titiloye told veteran broadcaster Hameed Adio. Under Suleiman, Kwara United have already shown glimpses of resilience, recording one win, one draw, and one defeat in his first three matches: a 1–0 loss to Kano Pillars, a 1–1 draw with Wikki Tourists (both away), and a 1–0 home victory over Katsina United. It’s a relatively encouraging start for a team seeking renewed momentum. However, the task before him remains enormous. Kwara United’s form has been inconsistent, and morale needs rebuilding. Yet, the challenge also presents the perfect stage for Coach Brazil to showcase his tactical insight and leadership under pressure. The fans, too, have a role to play. They must look beyond recent frustrations and rally behind a coach who has served the club with loyalty and commitment. The players, on their part, must turn that familiarity into fight, focus, and belief on the pitch. This new chapter could define more than just a season, it could shape the club’s long-term culture. If Coach Brazil succeeds, it would not only vindicate the decision to promote from within but also reaffirm that patience, learning, and loyalty still hold value in Nigerian football. The dawn may be uncertain, but it glows with promise. Kwara United have handed the reins to one of their own, a man molded by their journey and now entrusted to lead it. For Coach Brazil, this is more than a promotion; it’s destiny calling.
Dalhatu’s hat-trick propels Tornadoes to big win
Abdulaziz Dalhatu was the top performer in Niger Tornadoes’ 4-0 win in Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) against Plateau United at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna. Dalhatu scored his first goal of the match on 13 minutes before added two more in the second half in the 52nd and 69th minute. DABAI’S TREBLE OF ASSISTS But Dalhatu was not the only man who shone against Plateau United as Abdulrasheed Dabai produced a brilliant all-round performance as well. Dabai provided the assists for all of Dalhatu’s goals on the day. He becomes the first player to score a hat-trick this season in the NPFL. Terdoo Shimagande added the fourth goal to seal a comprehensive victory for Plateau United. Dalhatu has now scored four goals in this NPFL season
Promoted sides, Kun Khalifat, Wolves pull off road wins
Kun Khalifat and Warri Wolves are surely the sides that would hog the headlines after Matchday 9 fixtures in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following their victories on the road at Bayelsa United and Enyimba respectively on Sunday. Both promoted clubs put up gritty performances at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa and Enyimba Stadium in Aba to win by the odd goal. Newcomers Kun Khalifat coming off their derby win over Enyimba in the last matchweek toon the lead at Bayelsa United through Uche Moses on 54 minutes – a lead that lasted eight minutes before Jawad Mustapha levelled the score from the spot for the home side. Olabode Hassan came off the bench to score the winner for Kun Khalifat in the 77th minute as Obinna Uzoho’s win back to back to climb out of danger in the standings. Just more than a hundred kilometres away from Yenagoa where Kun Khalifat were doing wonders, Warri Wolves claimed their third away win, the most by any club in the NPFL this season so far. Wolves got their noses in front in the 18th minute when Enyimba defender Mohammed Hussaini turned the ball into his own net. Ten minutes later, Edidiong Ezekiel scored for Enyimba to level the score at 1-1. Tejiri Emonena restored Wolves’ lead on 67 minutes and that turned out to be the winner as Enyimba succumbed to successive defeats. TORNADOES SMASH PLATEAU UTD It was a sweet matchweek for Niger Tornadoes who hit Plateau United four-nil at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna. Abdulaziz Dalhatu scored thrice while Terdoo Shimagande got the fourth in added time after the 90 minutes. It is the second time Tornadoes are scoring four goals in a match after they had defeated Ikorodu City 4-2 last month in front of their supporters. DALHATU NETS FIRST HAT-TRICK Dalhatu has become the first player to score three goals in a single match this season. Dalhatu scored in the 13th, 52nd and 69th minute against Plateau United. BARAU CLAIM BRAGGING RIGHTS IN KANO DERBY In the first-ever Kano Derby in the NPFL, Ladan Bosso led Barau FC to a 2-1 triumph over Kano Pillars. The Maliya Boys turned things around with second half goals from Yahaya Ibrahim and Stanley Oganbor after Rabiu Ali had given Kano Pillars the lead on 20 minutes. Barau claim the bragging rights from the derby and the result leaves Kano Pillars bottom of the pile. AWERORO’S 3SC GO FIVE UNBEATEN Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) extended their unbeaten run to five matches after seeing off Abia Warriors (W4 D1). A goal in each from Ayobami Junior and Qamar Adegoke sealed a 2-0 win over Abia Warriors as Nurudeen Aweroro’s side move into second place behind table-toppers Nasarawa United. OTHER MATCHES Nasarawa United suffered their second defeat of the season. The Solid Miners were beaten two-nil at Ikorodu City with Chidera Oparaocha and Joseph Arumala scoring for City. Jonas Emmanuel and Samaila Bello scored first half goals for El-Kanemi Warriors as they won 2-1 against Wikki Tourists in the Northeast Derby. Usman ‘Pepe’ Abdullahi got Wikki’s goal. Kwara United left it late in Ilorin against Katsina United. Ibrahim Yahaya’s goal on 80 minutes proved sufficient for the Harmony Boys to claim the full points.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 9
Six matches will be LIVE on Propel Sports’ streaming platform, NPFL-Live including one match on the dial of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Two matches have been postponed due to CAF Champions League involvement of Remo Stars and Rivers United. Here are the officials to handle Sunday’s eight matches: Saturday, October 18, 2025 BENDEL INSURANCE V RIVERS UNITED (Postponed) Referee: Abubakar Zubairu Assistant referee 1: Tomiwa Akinwale Assistant referee 2: Tijani Ahmed Mustapha Fourth official: Jahlove Chukwuka Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City Sunday, October 19, 2025 REMO STARS V RANGERS (Postponed) Referee: Josep Ogabor Assistant referee 1: Musa Talle Hussaini Assistant referee 2: Adams Ibraheem Fourth official: Emmanuel Ogar Kick-off: 4pm Venue: MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta KWARA UNITED V KATSINA UNITED (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports & FRCN) Referee: Faro Abdulrahman Assistant referee 1: Olawale Toheeb Shittu Assistant referee 2: Jimoh Abubakar Fourth official: Folashade Ekun Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin EL-KANEMI WARRIORS V WIKKI TOURISTS Referee: Bashir Liman Adamu Assistant referee 1: Auwalu Salman Assistant referee 2: Umar Muhammad Fourth official: Uzairu Haruna Kick-off: 4pm Venue: El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri BARAU FC V KANO PILLARS (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Anthony Eze Assistant referee 1: Peter Eigege Ogwu Assistant referee 2: Ngede Aduba Fourth official: Julius Taykun Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano SHOOTING STARS SPORTS CLUB (3SC) V ABIA WARRIORS (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Auwalu Rabiu Assistant referee 1: Ikenna Okerulu Assistant referee 2: Akilu Usman Fourth official: Daniel Mark Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan NIGER TORNADOES V PLATEAU UNITED Referee: Bashir Salihu Assistant referee 1: Emmanuel Omada Assistant referee 2: Gaddafi Abubakar Fourth official: Ahmad Muhammad Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna ENYIMBA V WARRI WOLVES (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Bashir Saidu Assistant referee 1: Adama Nelson Assistant referee 2: James Jefferson Yusuf Fourth official: Andrew Iorkyaan Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba BAYELSA UNITED V KUN KHALIFAT FC (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Solomon Maram Aweng Assistant referee 1: Abdullahi Suleiman Assistant referee 2: Kehinde Joseph Onaleye Fourth official: Alhassan Muhammad Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa IKORODU CITY V NASARAWA UNITED (Live on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Chineme Ajibo Assistant referee 1: Justice Nwauzobilom Assistant referee 2: Vincent Ayodele Giwa Fourth official: Arewaremi Ebimene Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos
Amapakabo upbeat ahead showdown in Ibadan with 3SC
As the Matchday 9 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixtures across different centres gather momentum, Abia Warriors head coach, Imama Amapakabo, is optimistic of a good outing from the Warriors. The Warriors, who are currently occupying the second position on the league table after a 2-0 defeat of El-Kanemi Warriors at the Umuahia Township Stadium, will look to consolidate as they head into battle against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Ibadan on Sunday. Amapakabo, during a chat with club’s media, expressed the team’s determination to secure another continental ticket following their ouster in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup, even as he admitted that the sudden elimination from the competition has served as a learning curve for the team. “I think most importantly, we accepted the fact that we failed on the continent, but we are not failures. We can only be tagged a failure if by May, the league comes to an end and we are not able to get back to where we were as in the past season, and most importantly, first time for the team itself being on the continent. “So, there were a lot of things that we didn’t do right, and it was a big learning experience. So, we’ve taken it under our belt, we’ve learnt our lessons, and we want to get back there, believing that this team can really get better,” Amapakabo stated. The history-making tactician is also of the opinion that his team can emerge victorious in Ibadan, saying, “I believe we can get victory there.” His optimism was echoed by the Warriors’ two-goal hero against El-Kanemi Warriors in the last league fixture, Casmir Azubuike, who expressed confidence in the team’s ability to churn out a winning result in Ibadan. “We are Warriors. We are only known for one thing, to go to wars and come back with victory. Hopefully, we are going to Ibadan to win and sustain the momentum,” he said. The Warriors have averaged 0.9 goals (scored) per game and 0.5 goals conceded, whereas Shooting Stars have averaged 1 goal (scored) and 0.9 goals conceded. Head To Head: Last 5 Games27/04/25 AWFC 3-1 3SC01/12/24 3SC 2-0 AWFC02/06/24 3SC 4-0 AWFC17/12/23 AWFC 3-2 3SC26/06/22 3SC 2-2 AWFC Injury Update OUT Paul Samson and Ezekiel Ayodele are still out, while Maxwell Kangeshima is out with illness.
Enyimba defender Nworie shrugs off derby loss for Wolves’ visit
As nine-time NPFL champions, Enyimba gear up to face Warri Wolves in a classic Matchday 9 encounter at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, one of their defenders, Fabian Nworie says the team’s anger from last weekend’s defeat in Owerri has been converted into pure motivation. The Nigerian giants, who saw their unbeaten run halted by Kun Khalifat FC in a narrow 1–0 loss, are determined to make a bold statement in front of their home fans on Sunday. According to Nworie, the mood in camp has been fiery, focused, and full of intent to return to winning ways. “Well, after the loss, the guys were not happy because we prepared for a good outing, but it wasn’t to be,” the former Remo Stars and Rivers United man told Enyimba Media. “Concerning the Sunday’s game, we have intensified our preparations ahead of the Warri Wolves game. We are ready and will go for maximum points to enable us commence another unbeaten run, which we believe is possible.” Nworie, known for his composure and tactical discipline, emphasized that the setback in Owerri has only made the squad hungrier. Training sessions in the buildup to the match have been intense, with the players showing renewed determination to deliver for the fans who have stood solidly behind the team. The tough-tackling defender, who has patiently waited for his chance to shine this season, insists he remains fully prepared to give his all whenever called upon by the technical crew. “Yeah, I’m always ready for action, and whenever the head coach wants me, I’ll always give my best,” Nworie added. “I want to promise the fans to continue to believe and support us like always, and I’m sure we will not disappoint them.” With Enyimba boasting a superior head-to-head record — five wins, eight draws, and only three defeats against Warri Wolves since 2009 — history and home advantage tilt the scales in the People’s Elephant’s favour. But as every NPFL faithful knows, nothing comes easy in the league, and Wolves will not arrive in Aba to make up the numbers. The Elephants are angry, focused, and ready to charge. Expect fireworks in Aba as Nworie and his teammates look to transform their frustration into a statement of victory and begin a new unbeaten journey in their quest for glory.
Boboye takes charge at Bendel Insurance
Kennedy Boboye has been officially unveiled as the new head coach of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Bendel Insurance. Boboye was presented as the club’s new coach on Tuesday in Benin City. He replaces Greg Ikhenoba who was suspended last week by the club management last week for a poor run of results. Earlier this week, the club in a statement revealed that they had reached an agreement in principle with Boboye after discussion had taken place. “The appointment follows a mutual agreement between the management of the Benin Arsenals and Coach Boboye for him to assume full responsibility for the club’s technical department with immediate effect.“After a thorough evaluation, the management found Coach Boboye suitable for the role and has offered him a substantive two-year contract. The decision is based on his proven track record, impressive credentials, and extensive experience in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL),” said Bendel Insurance. Boboye will have to wait for his first official game in charge of the Benin City club with their weekend fixture against Rivers United postponed owing to the latter’s involvement in CAF Champions League football. However, Boboye is expected to lead Bendel Insurance to Owerri where they face new boys Kun Khalifat FC in a Matchweek 10 game.
