Enyimba striker, Edidiong Enobong Ezekiel, is ready to help ensure that his former employers, Remo Stars, leave the Enyimba Stadium in Aba this Sunday without a result to show for their efforts. Edidiong and his Enyimba teammates will play hosts to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Remo Stars in a Matchday 36 fixture. The striker, who spent the 2022/23 season with the Sky Blue Stars, said he is only focused on making sure Enyimba come out tops when both teams meet. “I have beautiful memory of my time at Remo Stars and I am looking forward to playing against them this weekend,” Edidiong revealed. “I feel a bit emotional regarding the memories I had with them but right now the pride of the People’s Elephant is my priority ” The former Akwa United man is also sure of Enyimba taking the full points off the champions. “I want to call on the esteemed fans of Enyimba to turn up in their numbers and support us as we go for a non-negotiable three points against Remo Stars,” he told Enyimba media. Edidiong has made 28 appearances in the NPFL for Enyimba and has netted four times and provided an assist.
El-Kanemi’s Abdulrahman fancies shot at top scorer’s award
By George Akpayen El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman has told NPFL.com.ng that he is going to give his “best” in the run-in for the top scorer’s prize in this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Abdulrahman has played a central role in El-Kanemi’s outing this season, contributing 10 goals in 33 appearances and is confident of adding more goals to his tally before the campaign comes to a close. TARGET BEFORE END OF SEASON The former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) man said he wants to score between two and five goals before the season ends so he can remain in the top scorer’s race. ”I feel very excited to be among the top scorers because this is the first season I have scored this many goals in the league. ”Yes my target is to score more goals. You know the gap between me and the top scorers is two goals. I will try my best to improve (the number of) my goals. I believe I can score two, three or five more goals before the end of the season. Anyone God allows me get, I will accept it,” Abdulrahman said to NPFL.com.ng. TOP PRIZE WITHIN REACH For a midfielder in a league where goalscoring can at times be difficult even for strikers, Abdulrahman still fancies his chances of finishing as the leading scorer. He stated that the unpredictability of the NPFL offers him a chance in the race like the frontrunners who are mainly strikers. ”At this point in the season you cannot predict anything. They (the other top scorers) are mostly strikers and I am a midfielder which gives them advantage. But I will give my best. If I don’t finish as top scorer at the end of the season, I will finish in second place. Finishing in first place is my target as well,” said . REASON FOR IMPRESSIVE FORM However, Abdulrahman cannot talk about his impressive goalscoring form without crediting it to his teammates, especially the midfield duo of Zayyad Musa and Muktar Ismail. Abdulrahman, Zayyad and Ismail have been the mainstay in El-Kanemi’s midfield which has also culminated in Abdulrahman’s goalscoring return this season. El-Kanemi’s leading scorer this season also took time to explain how his partnership with Zayyad and Ismail blossomed from their time in the Nigeria National League (NNL). ”We are three of us who understand ourselves and have been playing together for a while. That is myself, Zayyad Musa and Muktar Ismail. When I returned from my time at Shooting Stars, I found it easy to fit into the team because of Zayad and Muktar because we’ve always played together from the NNL and we are the main midfielders,” Abdulrahman said. THE TRIP TO BARAU FC THIS WEEKEND With an individual prize within his reach, Abdulrahman said the El-Kanemi Warriors team are focused on this Sunday’s trip to Kano where they face Barau FC. He is hopeful that they grind out a result at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano despite acknowledging that the Maliya Boys will be difficult to play against. ”Our next focus is now Barau FC who we play in Kano. We are on the same points with them and that is not going to be an easy match because goals difference can play a big role at the end of the season. I just want to go there and give my best. We want to get a result in that game and come back to our home and make sure we win (against Niger Tornadoes),” said the El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder.
2025/26 NPFL season on course to end May 24 – Owumi
Clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will be observing a break this weekend which is for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Cup window.Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer said that the window created at the start of the season was to ensure a seamless operation devoid of the disruptions experienced in past seasons.”We synergised with the NFF Competitions Department at the start of the season to create windows for the Federation Cup. It has been in effect since January and we are running our calender as designed,” Owumi told the NPFL Media.Matchday 36 and 37 of the NPFL will now be played on May 3 and May 10 respectively while another President Federation Cup window will be observed on May 16/17.Owumi said the last games of the season will be played on May 24 as stated during the draw for the season.”We have been intentional to maintain fixture fidelity and it took a lot of planning and cooperation from the clubs to achieve this”, declared Owumi.
Qamar, Musa star as race for title & survival takes a twist
The duo of Qamar Adegoke and Ahmed Musa were among the top performance in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday as they helped their teams to important wins. Qamar’s double in the second half ensured Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) claimed the full points at El-Kanemi Warriors. Qamar watched from the bench as his teammates trailed at halftime to John Zakka’s goal on 25 minutes. Shooting Stars head coach Nurudeen Aweroro threw Qamar straight into the restart and his introduction was instant as he levelled the score seconds in the second half. He sealed the win for 3SC four minutes before time to keep their hopes of a continental push alive. Musa was the hero at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano with a stoppage time diving header to earn a vital win for Kano Pillars over title contenders Rivers United. Centre-back Abdullahi Musa headed Kano Pillars in front on 81 minutes, a lead that lasted just eight minutes when Handsome Surveyor drew Finidi George’s men level. Musa popped up with a dramatic winner in added time to break the hearts of their opponents. A goal each from Victor Mbaoma (10′), Olamilekan Adedayo (45+1′) and Samuel Anakwe (78′) gave champions Remo Stars a comfortable 3-0 win over Niger Tornadoes. The win takes the Sky Blue Stars out of the bottom-four. COLLINS FIND FORM AGAIN After going six games on the spin without scoring, Uche Collins found his feet and netted twice to help Katsina United to a 3-2 win over Bayelsa United. Jamilu Yusuf scored the opening goal for Katsina United while Bayelsa United’s Mustapha Jawad and Ettah Ikoi Ikoi got among the goals. IWUNDU GETS NINTH GOAL Rangers centre-back continued his fine run of goalscoring form when he levelled the score in the Oriental Derby in which Enyimba fell 1-2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. Wonah Williams had earlier given Enyimba the lead. Ifeanyi Onyebuchi got the winner on 68 minutes for the Flying Antelopes following a mix-up at the back by Enyimba. KUN KHALIFAT DIG DEEP IN JOS New boys Kun Khalifat FC are throwing everything into the run-in in a bid to beat the drop. They have now put together three remarkable streaks without losing including Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Plateau United. The Owerri club took the lead through Mmesoma Nnorom on seven minutes. Temitope Vincent Adebayo however failed to draw Plateau United level from the spot on 13 minutes when his attempt went over the bar. Four minutes before the break, Alao Danbani spared Plateau United the embarrassment of losing at home. Federation Cup holders Kwara United edged past Barau FC 2-1 through goals from Toheeb Gidado (15′) and Saheed Olaniyi (45′) before Joseph Atule pulled one back for their opponents. First half goals decided the clash between Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba. Warriors won 2-1 with Paul Samson and Valentine Ugwu scoring while Aderemi Adeoye’s strike for City was sandwiched in between. The early kickoff of Sunday’s jam-packed schedule saw Bendel Insurance claim a 2-1 win on the road at Wikki Tourists. Emmanuel Dung’s goal was cancelled out by Imamu Bala’s finish. A second winner by Efe Ubiomo sealed all three points for Bendel Insurance as Wikki are now in bottom place and in danger of being relegated with three rounds of matches to go. The NPFL continues with Matchday 36 on May 3.
Double delight for 3SC’s Adegoke in Maiduguri
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) produced a spirited comeback performance to secure a hard-fought 2–1 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, with substitute Qamar Adegoke scoring twice to seal all three points. FIRST HALF The hosts started with early intensity, but we nearly took the lead in the 4th minute when Ayodele Ismail’s effort went narrowly wide. Moments later, in the 8th minute, Ikuowem Utin delivered a dangerous cross, but Lucky Emmanuel was unable to connect. Shooting Stars suffered an early setback in the 19th minute as Tijani Kabir went down injured and was replaced by Ekeocha Chukwudi. The game remained evenly contested, with Desmond Ojietefian producing a crucial defensive block in the 23rd minute to keep the score level. However, El-Kanemi Warriors broke the deadlock in the 25th minute to take a 1–0 lead through John Zakka. The Oluyole Warriors responded with attempts of their own. Ayodele Ismail tested the goalkeeper in the 34th minute, while Utin and Tijani Al-Ameen produced important defensive actions to keep the deficit at one goal. Shooting Stars pushed for an equaliser before the break, and in the 44th minute, Chukwudi’s cross found Sodiq Ibrahim, whose header was comfortably saved. After three minutes of added time, the hosts went into halftime with a narrow 1–0 advantage. SECOND HALF The Ibadan club made an immediate change at the start of the second half, introducing Qamar Adegoke—and it proved decisive. Just a minute into the restart, Adegoke found the back of the net to level the score at 1–1 in the 46th minute. El-Kanemi responded with pressure, but Godgift produced a brilliant save in the 51st minute to keep 3SC in the game. The contest grew more intense, with Justice Apaingolo shown a yellow card in the 56th minute, while Tijani Al-Ameen made a vital tackle in the 64th minute. After a brief pause in play in the 67th minute, 3SC remained focused, with Godgift making another crucial save in the 72nd minute. The away team’s defensive discipline continued, highlighted by another clearance from Al-Ameen in the 80th minute. DECISIVE MOMENT Shooting Stars came close to taking the lead in the 82nd minute when Lucky Emmanuel’s effort went off target. Two minutes later, 3SC made further changes, introducing Adams Mustapha, Adelowo Gbolagade, and Adebayo Abayomi. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute when Qamar Adegoke struck again to complete the turnaround and give Nurudeen Aweroro’s side a 2–1 lead. FULL-TIME Six minutes of added time were indicated, but 3SC held firm defensively to see out the game and secure a valuable away victory. It was a resilient and determined performance, as 3SC showed character to come from behind and claim all three points on the road. The result boosts their momentum as the NPFL season enters its decisive stage. © Shooting Stars Sports Club
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 35
All 10 matches for this matchweek is fixed for this Sunday as two of them will be live on AfroSoccer via DStv Channel 254 and on the dial of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Here’s the appointed referees for the 10 fixtures: Sunday, April 19, 2026 WIKKI TOURISTS V BENDEL INSURANCE Referee: Yemisi Akintoye Assistant referee 1: Ridwan Lawal Assistant referee 2: Jamilu Hamisu Fourth official: Ibrahim Idris Kick-off: 1pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos PLATEAU UNITED V KUN KHALIFAT FC Referee: Bashir Adamu Liman Assistant referee 1: Nalado Abdullahi Assistant referee 2: Dahiru Mustapha Fourth official: Abdulganiyu Bello Kick-off: 3pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos EL-KANEMI WARRIORS V 3SC Referee: Hannah Elaigwu Assistant referee 1: Yusuf Indabawa Assistant referee 2: Mohammed Ibrahim Fourth official: Akilu Usman Kick-off: 4pm Venue: El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri KWARA UNITED V BARAU FC (Live on AfroSoccer DStv Channel 254) Referee: Chilaka Igwe Assistant referee 1: Iraneus Ezeobele Assistant referee 2: Abibatu Yusuf Fourth official: Bright Nwosu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos REMO STARS V NIGER TORNADOES Referee: Ikemka Ugochukwu Assistant referee 1: Nura Ali Assistant referee 2: Scholastica Ikeobi Fourth official: Jimmy Aimuagbonrie Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne RANGERS V ENYIMBA (Live on FRCN) Referee: Saheed Babayanju Assistant referee 1: Mfon Friday Assistant referee 2: Enizie Gwegwe Fourth official: Yahaya Abubakar Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu KATSINA UNITED V BAYELSA UNITED Referee: Adewale Adeniyi Assistant referee 1: Maimuri Habu Assistant referee 2: Muyiwa Oladipo Fourth official: Rasheedat Abdulganiyu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina ABIA WARRIORS V IKORODU CITY Referee: Emmanuel Adie Assistant referee 1: Womi Samson Assistant referee 2: Morrison Otuwho Fourth official: Hussaini Talle Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba KANO PILLARS V RIVERS UNITED Referee: Kehinde Rotimi Assistant referee 1: Fatai Yunusa Assistant referee 2: Suleiman Magaji Fourth official: Isah Gogo Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano NASARAWA UNITED V WARRI WOLVES Referee: Mohammed Ahmed Assistant referee 1: Shehu Isah Assistant referee 2: El-Amin Kabiru Fourth official: Isah Aliyu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lafia City Stadium, Lafia
NPFL mourns former NFF boss Galadima
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has joined the country’s football community in mourning the passing of former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima. Galadima passed away on Saturday in the northern city of Kano at the age of 74 after falling ill. NPFL chairman, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye has described Galadima’s death as “a big loss” to the country’s football community. Elegbeleye further paid a flowing tribute to Galadima for his immense contribution to the development of football in Nigeria. ”The death of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima is a very sad one for football in Nigeria. It is a big loss for our football because of his huge reputation in the sport in our country. ”He will be remembered for his remarkable character as an administrator, his uprightness as well as his many contributions to make football in Nigeria better. ”Our prayer from the NPFL is for his soul to find rest and we pray that his family, friends, associates and the football community in the country be comforted at this time of such a big loss,” the NPFL chairman said. Galadima was the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) chairman between 2002 and 2006. He had also held other positions as first vice president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), chairman of the Kano State Football Association and Kano State sports council chairman. He was also chairman of former NPFL champions Kano Pillars.
For Ikorodu City’s Arumala, Golden Boot race is not priority
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.
