With two matchdays to conclude the 2025/26 season of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), clubs have been warned on the consequences of deviating from the scheduled dates and kick-off time for Matchday 37 and 38.In a practice directive issued by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the clubs were reminded that all remaining fixtures must be played simultaneously to ensure sporting fairness and to protect the integrity of results.”It has also become imperative to remind all clubs that the remaining games of Matchday 37 and 38 have been scheduled to be played simultaneously on the same date and kick-off time of 4 pm””This decision is to ensure sporting fairness and to protect the integrity of our matches and results”, Owumi wrote.The clubs were told not to seek change of date or time should they have challenges of availability of their accredited home grounds.”Should any club have issues of unavailability of regular venue, such club must choose and communicate an alternative NPFL accredited venue before close of business on May 7, 2026.”Should any club fail to do so, the NPFL will choose a venue for the fixture”, the memo stated.In conclusion, NPFL invoked the rules to inform the Clubs that they stand to forfeit three points and three goals should they breach the directive.
Deutsch praises Enyimba players in Remo Stars turnaround defeat
Enyimba head coach and technical adviser, Emmanuel Deutsch, has credited his players for showing resilience in their 2-1 win over Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Remo Stars on Sunday. The People’s Elephant had to come from a goal down to win the contest after Stanley Dimgba and Chidera Michael scored to cancel Victor Mbaoma’s 12th strike of the season for Remo Stars. The Cameroonian coach heaped praises on his players for showing strength to rebound from going behind in the match to claim the full points. “It’s football and I give it to the players for their good character and confidence, especially after going one goal down. Since after the FA Cup win against Ahudiyannem FC, you can see the confidence is coming back,” he said. Deutsch said he was hopeful of a win from the outset and is glad that they got the points in the bag. “It was a game everyone was looking forward to the result and I’m happy, not just me but every Abian. It’s a good gift for them,” Deutsch said. The win puts Enyimba in 11th place on 46 points, three above the drop zone where Remo Stars are holed up in 18th position with two matchweeks to end the season. Enyimba will face Kwara United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos while Remo Stars play hosts to Bayelsa United in a relegation scrap in the penultimate matchday.
Katsina Utd captain Barau seeks revenge in Benin City
By George Akpayen Katsina United captain, Usman Barau, has told NPFL.com.ng that he and his teammates are heading into Sunday’s showdown with Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with the aim of winning. Barau and his teammates suffered a 0-1 defeat in the first meeting in December 2025 when Elmer Arunta came off the bench to score the winning goal for Bendel Insurance to take the full points. ”We are in Benin to make sure we get a good result and possibly win. Remember when we played them at our home they got all three points and now we have the chance to do better,” Barau said to NPFL.com.ng. Barau disclosed that players and officials of the club had a meeting before the trip to Benin City ahead of Sunday’s match during which they vowed to come out tops against Bendel Insurance. He is also confident that Katsina United have the quality in their playing personnel to win at Bendel Insurance. ”We have a good team that can win anywhere. The team met and spoke about how important this match is, and we want to make our fans and club proud. We can pull off a win because this season has been unpredictable and anyone can win anywhere. ”Katsina United is ready for this match and our target is to revenge that defeat earlier in the season,” the midfielder said. Barau is in line to make his 30th league appearance of the season for Katsina United when they face Bendel Insurance this Sunday.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 36
Here are the referees appointed for this matchweek as there are four matches LIVE across AfroSoccer and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN): Sunday, May 3, 2026 BARAU FC V EL-KANEMI WARRIORS Referee: Abubakar Abdullahi Assistant referee 1: Amber Samuel Assistant referee 2: Zubairu Yusuf Kana Fourth official: Andrew Iorkyaan Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano NIGER TORNADOES V KWARA UNITED Referee: Noah Adejoh Assistant referee 1: Ayodeji Adebiyi Assistant referee 2: Abibatu Yusuf Fourth official: Mohammed Dahiru Kawu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna ENYIMBA V REMO STARS Referee: Alohan Osakpamwan Assistant referee 1: Maimuri Habu Assistant referee 2: Igbonwonsa Imuentinyen Fourth official: Emmanuel Adie Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba BAYELSA UNITED V RANGERS (Live on AfroSoccer) Referee: Mohammed Chado Assistant referee 1: Abdulmajeed Usman Assistant referee 2: Sodiq Adejumo Fourth official: Adamu Liman Bashir Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa BENDEL INSURANCE V KATSINA UNITED Referee: Chidiebere Onyemezie Assistant referee 1: Ayodele Vincent Giwa Assistant referee 2: Musa Adamu Bako Fourth official: Musibaudeen Ibrahim Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City RIVERS UNITED V ABIA WARRIORS (Live on AfroSoccer) Referee: Nurudeen Abubakar Assistant referee 1: Mahmud Mohammed Assistant referee 2: Musa Hussaini Talle Fourth official: Yahaya Abubakar Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt KUN KHALIFAT FC V KANO PILLARS Referee: John Ojeleye Assistant referee 1: Mfon Friday Akpan Assistant referee 2: Blessing Arasonwa Fourth official: Edwin Chima Anyanwu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri WARRI WOLVES V PLATEAU UNITED Referee: Oluwatosin Omotoye Assistant referee 1: Usman Akilu Assistant referee 2: Chinonso Eze Fourth official: Funmilayo Alaba Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro 3SC V NASARAWA UNITED (Live on AfroSoccer & FRCN) Referee: Kassim Abdulsalam Assistant referee 1: Emmanuel Omada Assistant referee 2: Nasiru Iyal Mafara Fourth official: Felagha Anderson Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan Tuesday, May 5, 2026 IKORODU CITY V WIKKI TOURISTS (Live on AfroSoccer) Referee: Joseph Ogabor Assistant referee 1: Emmanuel Ogar Assistant referee 2: Bello Zuru Fourth official: Yusuf Indabawa Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos
Enyimba vs Remo is no emotional business for Edidiong
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
