Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye has commiserated with the immediate Zubairu family, the Nigeria Referees Assistant (NRA) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the death of the NRA President, Alhaji Sani Zubairu. In extending condolences on behalf of the Board and the NPFL clubs on the passing of the retired FIFA referee, Elegbeleye said the contributions of the former referee to the development of the league is a legacy to active and aspiring referees. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that the Almighty Allah comfort his family, referees’ association, and the football community over his demise. The Bauchi-born retired FIFA referee was elected president of the association during the 2023 delegates conference held at Bovina Hotels in Kwara State on Saturday, April 29, 2023.
Nasarawa Utd hit four past title contenders Rivers Utd
Nasarawa United were ruthless, on Monday, when they played hosts to Rivers United in a Matchday 31 fixture at the Lafia City Stadium. They defeated their opponents 4-1. The Solid Miners were out of the blocks faster and inside the opening six minutes, they raced into a two-goal lead. Ngei Oluka-Efor, opened the goalscoring with a left-footed volley into the back of the net in the third minute off Sam Pam’s assist. Three minutes later, right-back, Abubakar Abdullahi, rose highest to nod home Nasarawa United’s second goal of the evening after being picked up by Ifeanyi Okechukwu. Rivers United’s woes grew from bad to worse as Chimezie Victor powered home a ferocious effort after benefiting from a brilliant pass from John Joshua in the 15th minute. In the 24th minute, Rivers United pulled one back through Taiwo Abdulrafiu as the Solid Miners held on to a 3-1 lead into the break Thirteen minutes into the second half, JoFrank Istifanus put the game to bed and beyond Rivers United with a delightful finish. It was the second time this season that Rivers United would concede four goals in a single match in the NPFL after suffering a 1-4 loss at Barau FC in December 2025. The result ensures Nasarawa United climb to third position on the table with 50 points, two points behind Rivers United, and four points behind table-topping Rangers of Enugu. Nasarawa United will proceed to Lagos for their next match with a date against Kwara United in the next matchday while Rivers United will play hosts to new boys Kun Khalifat FC in Port Harcourt.
Abia Warriors edge past Niger Tornadoes
Abia Warriors played themselves back in contention for a top-three finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a 2-1 win over Niger Tornadoes at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba on Monday. The match lived up to expectation as it was intriguing, intense, and interesting, giving spectators an edge-of-the-seat spectacle. The visitors, who were beaten at home by Abia Warriors in the first meeting in Minna, were surely on a revenge mission as they clearly demonstrated from the beginning of proceedings, but it was the Warriors who had the final say in a hard-fought victory to quench the Ikon Allah’s determination. Goals from Suraju Lawal and Casmir Azubuike gave Umu Chineke a 2-0 cushion, and a consolation strike by Joseph Godfrey settled a thrilling encounter. Abia Warriors head coach, Imama Amapakabo, made two changes to the squad that played in the last league fixture in Kano, with Somiari Alalibo taking the place of Emmanuel Ogbuagu, while Odah Okiemute replaced Ali Ishaku in between the sticks. Some spectators were still making their way into the arena when Umu Chineke took the lead in the seventh minute. Lawal received a pass from Casmir Azubuike in the midfield area, raced goal-wards before cutting inside to release a curling effort that came off the inside of the woodwork and landed into the net, leaving the visitors stunned and the teeming Warriors’ supporters in ecstasy. The Minna club refused to lie low but went in search of the equalizer as they carved out chances of their own that failed to materialize. The Warriors responded in equal measure as Paul Samson and Kunle Adeleke were unlucky not to get their names on the score sheet, while Lawal could not make it a brace when he failed to tap in Chukwuemeka Obioma’s cross from close range in the 36th minute. The second half commenced with the same intensity as the first; both sides having a go at each other. The hosts were forced to make a substitution in the 52nd minute of play when injured Alalibo was replaced by Ogbuagu, and the latter made the most of his introduction 12 minutes later. The Warriors’ number five received a pass, raced into space and delivered a precise pass to Azubuike, who got himself into the visitors’ box, cut inside of his marker before burying the ball into the bottom right corner of Tornadoes goalkeeper Ifeanyi Nchekwube for the second goal of the game. The visitors fought back and were rewarded in the 80th minute when the unmarked Joseph Godfrey was given time and space to shoot from the edge of the box. Godfrey’s goal reduced the deficit to one for Tornadoes. Amapakabo threw on Chindi Merpring, Osahon Nelson and Omoge Ebenezer for Casmir Azubuike, Paul Samson, and Chukwuemeka Obioma, respectively, in a triple substitution to sustain the lead and secure the maximum points as they cap a thrilling encounter with a well-deserved victory. The win puts Abia Warriors three points closer to the top-three in the NPFL table. Up next, Abia Warriors play on the road against Enyimba at the Enyimba Stadium on Sunday, March 29, 2026 in the Abia Derby. Niger Tornadoes will return to their Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna to face Wikki Tourists.
Kwara Utd drop crucial points at Remo Stars in survival battle
Federation Cup champions, Kwara United suffered a disappointing 3–1 defeat to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Remo Stars in a Matchday 31 encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday. The Harmony Boys made a bright start and took the lead in the 34th minute through Ibrahim Yahaya, who finished off a swift counter-attack after receiving a well-timed pass from Junior Aimufua. However, the lead lasted just four minutes as Ahmed Akinyele restored parity for the hosts in the 38th minute, ensuring both sides went into the break level. But before the break, Kwara United had a golden opportunity to regain the lead in added time of first half when Aimufua was brought down in the penalty area, earning the visitors a spot-kick. Unfortunately, Ini Emmanuel Okon failed to convert from the penalty, leaving the score at 1–1. Remo Stars returned for the second half with renewed intensity, dominating proceedings and dictating the tempo of the game. Their persistence paid off with two quick goals—Haruna Hadi struck in the 70th minute before Victor Mbaoma extended the lead just three minutes later to seal the victory. Speaking after the match, Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman expressed his disappointment with the result, highlighting the missed penalty as a key turning point. “We were punished for not scoring the penalty, which could have been a turning point for us. It’s disappointing,” he said. Kwara United will now shift focus to their next fixtures, where they are scheduled to play back-to-back home games against Nasarawa United and El-Kanemi Warriors as they aim to bounce back from the defeat. The champions, on the other hand, will have to make the long trip to the Northeast to face El-Kanemi on Matchweek 32 before returning to their Remo Stars Stadium to play hosts to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in the Southwest Derby.
Rangers go top after comfortable win over El-Kanemi Warriors
Rangers International climbed to the summit of the NPFL table following a commanding 2–0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in their Matchday 31 clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday. The Flying Antelopes started brightly, dictating the tempo within the opening exchanges and consistently troubling the El-Kanemi defence with incisive runs. Rangers thought they had taken an early lead in the fifth minute when Wisdom Ebirim tapped home from close range after a long throw-in by Daniel Itodo caused confusion in the box. However, the effort was ruled out for offside. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Itodo rose highest to head home Chibueze Oputa’s corner, giving Rangers a deserved lead. Rangers continued to pile on the pressure. Ebirim came close in the 38th minute, but his effort was well saved by goalkeeper Iddrisu Ibrahim. Moments later, a well-worked move saw Waheed Adebayo square the ball to Ibrahim Yusuf, whose shot was blocked. Ebirim remained a constant threat, missing another opportunity in the 43rd minute before Ibrahim Yusuf was denied in a one-on-one situation just before halftime. Rangers went into the break firmly in control but with only one goal ahead. El-Kanemi Warriors returned from the break with renewed intent and registered their first real attempt in the 49th minute, but Lucky Jimoh was equal to the task. Rangers quickly reasserted control, particularly down the left flank. Their dominance was rewarded in the 56th minute when Godwin Obaje latched onto a precise pass from Chibueze Oputa, beat his marker, and fired past the goalkeeper to double the lead. Obaje took his total for the season to 11 with the goal. With a comfortable advantage, Rangers controlled proceedings and pushed for a third. Ikechukwu Mgbemena came close in the 67th minute, while Kenneth Igboke missed a chance from inside the box in the 79th minute. El-Kanemi managed a late effort through Bashar Musa, whose long-range strike was brilliantly saved by Jimoh, but it proved too little, too late. Rangers now have a two-point advantage at the summit of the NPFL standings ahead of second-placed Rivers United who play on Monday at Nasarawa United.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 31
Here are the referees appointed for this matchweek as well as the TV listings that will screen across NPFL Live powered by Propel Sports and AfroSoccer on DStv channel 254. Saturday, March 21, 2026 WIKKI TOURISTS V BARAU FC (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Akaninyene Udoette Assistant referee 1: Uche Ndiokwere Assistant referee 2: Stephen Nwadukwe Fourth official: Salihu Aminu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos Sunday, March 22, 2026 REMO STARS V KWARA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Joseph Ogabor Assistant referee 1: Ahmad Mustapha Assistant referee 2: Effiong Uboho Sunday Fourth official: Victor Akokoba Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne RANGERS V EL-KANEMI WARRIORS Referee: Oluwatosin Omotoye Assistant referee 1: Emmanuel Omada Assistant referee 2: Cletus Adewebi Fourth official: Busayo Ogunyamodi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu KATSINA UNITED V 3SC (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Andrew Iorkyaan Assistant referee 1: Gaddafi Abubakar Assistant referee 2: Yusuf Dauda Ayuba Fourth official: Bulama Mohammed Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina KANO PILLARS V ENYIMBA (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports & AfroSoccer (DStv ch 254) Referee: Abdulmalik Madaki Assistant referee 1: Samuel Pwadutakam Assistant referee 2: Bancir Kamga Fourth official: Gata Mohammed Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano PLATEAU UNITED V BAYELSA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Grema Mohammed Assistant referee 1: Yakubu Mahmud Assistant referee 2: Ciroma Bukar Fourth official: Shaharan I. Guza Kick-off: 4pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos WARRI WOLVES V BENDEL INSURANCE Referee: Daniel Okwoche Assistant referee 1: Ridwan Lawal Assistant referee 2: Adams Ibraheem Fourth official: Chidiebere Pascal Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro KUN KHALIFAT FC V IKORODU CITY (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Isah Aliyu Assistant referee 1: Michael Ubah Assistant referee 2: Ephraim Jatau Fourth official: Emmanuel Adie Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri Monday, March 23, 2026 ABIA WARRIORS V NIGER TORNADOES (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Abdulganiyu Abdulmalik Assistant referee 1: Shittu Mohammed Lawan Assistant referee 2: Aliyu Usman Fourth official: Austin Onyika Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba NASARAWA UNITED V RIVERS UNITED Referee: Zubairu Abubakar Assistant referee 1: Usman Abdullahi Assistant referee 2: Yusuf Mohammed Mawashi Fourth official: Aliyu Yakubu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lafia City Stadium, Lafia
NPFL to honour late Henry Nwosu on Matchday 30
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, has directed that 60 seconds silence be observed before kickoff at all NPFL Matchday 30 games this weekend in honour of late Henry Nwosu. The NPFL boss would describe the death of Ex Green Eagles captain, Nwosu, as a personal loss to him and a general loss to the club football family in the country. Nwosu, the youngest member of the national team that won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations in 1980, reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday, March 14 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Elegbeleye described the late Nwosu as “a personal friend whom i have maintained communication with right from my time at the National Sports Commission.” When Elegbeleye was nominated for the Pitch Football Awards, Nwosu was one of the prominent voices that endorsed the NPFL Chairman, seizing the opportunity to narrate the personal relationship they shared. In a condolence message, the NPFL Chairman described the news of the passing as “the death of a true ambassador of the domestic and national team football because he not only made his mark as a player in league clubs, he also coached some of the league clubs”. On a philosophical note, the NPFL Chief said that death is a human submission to the will of God, and prayed for the repose of his soul and strength for the immediate family to endure through the agonising period of losing a loved one. Nwosu was a famed schoolboy football player who later featured for some of the dominant football clubs of the 1980s, including the defunct New Nigeria Bank and African Continental Bank.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 30
Here are the referees appointed for this matchweek as six matches will be live across AfroSoccer, NPFL Live powered by Propel Sports and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Saturday, March 14, 2026 BENDEL INSURANCE V KUN KHALIFAT FC (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Yusuf Garba Assistant referee 1: Emmanuel Ajewole Assistant referee 2: Sanusi Umar Idris Fourth official: Linus Ogar Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City Sunday, March 15, 2026 KWARA UNITED V RANGERS (Live on AfroSoccer, NPFL Live/Propel Sports & FRCN) Referee: Bala Aliyu Kyari Assistant referee 1: Muyiwa Oladoja Assistant referee 2: Lukman Mudashiru Fourth official: Gbenga Akomolafe Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin EL-KANEMI WARRIORS V KATSINA UNITED Referee: Abubakar Abdullahi Assistant referee 1: Samuel Azi Assistant referee 2: Idris Ibrahim Fourth official: Shittu M. Lawal Kick-off: 4pm Venue: El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri 3SC V WIKKI TOURISTS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Fidelis Onyeama Assistant referee 1: Abibatu Yusuf Assistant referee 2: Koute Sivivie Fourth official: Smart Udeh Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan BARAU FC V ABIA WARRIORS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Hannah Elaigwu Assistant referee 1: S.M. Abdullahi Assistant referee 2: Nalado Abdullahi Fourth official: Mohammed Sambo Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano NIGER TORNADOES V KANO PILLARS Referee: Tijani Majidadi Assistant referee 1: Mfon Friday Assistant referee 2: Anuoluwapo Balogun Fourth official: Nura Ali Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna ENYIMBA V PLATEAU UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Yemisi Akintoye Assistant referee 1: Abdulmajeed Usman Assistant referee 2: Imuetinyan Ikponmwosa Fourth official: Opeyemi Usman Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba BAYELSA UNITED V WARRI WOLVES Referee: Olufunmilayo Alaba Assistant referee 1: Emmanuel Ogar Assistant referee 2: Peter Bwamba Fourth official: Olufemi Akinlade Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa REMO STARS V NASARAWA UNITED Referee: Saeed Abdulaziz Assistant referee 1: Scholastica Ikeobi Assistant referee 2: Chinonso Ezeh Fourth official: Chanumuy Ekene Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne Monday, March 16, 2026 IKORODU CITY V RIVERS UNITED (Live on AfroSoccer & NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Suleiman Ibrahim Assistant referee 1: Gerrard Anyam Assistant referee 2: Shehu Abdullahi Fourth official: Rasheed Ismaila Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos
Kwara Utd relocates to Mobolaji Johnson Arena for NPFL home matches
Responding to a request from Kwara United, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has approved the relocation of the club’s home matches from the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena at Onikan, Lagos.Kwara United are serving an indefinite stadium ban which will see them play their home games for the rest of the season outside Ilorin. This followed unacceptable fans behaviour during their rescheduled Matchday 23 fixture against Rivers United.The club cited the need for sporting fairness, noting that another Ogun State based club, Remo Stars are in the same struggle to avoid relegation. They said rival fans may trigger some crisis that could be blamed on Kwara United as the host club.They have adopted the stadium at Onikan as their home ground. The choice has been approved by the NPFL through a letter signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi.The club start their life in the new ground with a Matchday 30 clash with Rangers International on Sunday, March 15.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 29
Here are the match officials named for this weekend’s fixtures in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Eight matches will be live across the platforms of AfroSoccer, NPFL Live powered by Propel Sports and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Saturday, March 7, 2026 WIKKI TOURISTS V EL-KANEMI WARRIORS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Bashir Adamu Assistant referee 1: Yusuf Ayuba Assistant referee 2: Mohammed Abubakar Fourth official: Ahmed Rabiu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos Sunday, March 8, 2026 KATSINA UNITED V KWARA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Chibukor Stanley Assistant referee 1: Ikenna Okerulu Assistant referee 2: Abba Dada Fourth official: Kabiru Yusuf Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina KANO PILLARS V BARAU FC (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports & AfroSoccer) Referee: Abdulrahman Faro Assistant referee 1: Usman Akilu Assistant referee 2: Darlington Nwauzobilom Fourth official: Stanley Idowu Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano RANGERS V REMO STARS (Live on FRCN) Referee: Donald Magashi Assistant referee 1: Musa Talle Assistant referee 2: Habibu Salisu Fourth official: Eric Gwanga Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu ABIA WARRIORS V 3SC (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Bawa Buhari Assistant referee 1: Shehu Abdullahi Assistant referee 2: Daniel Mark Fourth official: Austin Onyika Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba PLATEAU UNITED V NIGER TORNADOES (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Alhassan Mustapha Assistant referee 1: Jamilu Hamisu Assistant referee 2: Umar Ibrahim Fourth official: Abdulganiyu Bello Kick-off: 4pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos WARRI WOLVES V ENYIMBA Referee: Quadri Adejumo Assistant referee 1: Ayodeji Adebiyi Assistant referee 2: Fatai Yunusa Fourth official: Giwa Vincent Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro KUN KHALIFAT V BAYELSA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Muntaka Abubakar Assistant referee 1: Mohammed Sambo Assistant referee 2: Jerry Pam Fourth official: Cletus Adewebi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri RIVERS UNITED V BENDEL INSURANCE Referee: Adamu Yakubu Assistant referee 1: Adamu Zakari Assistant referee 2: Dahiru Muazu Fourth official: Justine Egwuom Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt NASARAWA UNITED V IKORODU CITY Referee: Mudasir Adamu Assistant referee 1: Friday Francis Assistant referee 2: Salmanu Auwalu Fourth official: Yusuf Indabawa Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lafia City Stadium, Lafia
