Bendel Insurance striker Alex Oweilayefa put up a show in one of Sunday’s matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as he scored three times in his club’s 4-0 thumping of Ikorodu City. Oweilayefa and his teammates were quicker off the blocks against Ikorodu City who are in the race for the title. The quick start paid off for Kennedy Boboye’s men as Oweilayefa put them ahead on 15 minutes. Nine minutes later, Wisdom Udom doubled the lead before Oweilayefa scored his second of the game in the 27th minute to make any sort of comeback impossible for Ikorodu City. Oweilayefa sealed an impressive afternoon with his third just a minute before the hour mark to condemn Ikorodu City to their heaviest defeat of the season. The last time Ikorodu City conceded four goals in match was earlier in the season when they lost 2-4 at Niger Tornadoes in September 2025. Former champions, Rangers International, benefited from the slips of other title contenders especially Ikorodu City and Rivers United to go top of the pile. The Flying Antelopes made sure they secured the full points against Nasarawa United at their Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium home in Enugu through goals from Godwin Obaje (18′) and Chidiebere Nwobodo (26′). Rangers are now one point ahead of Rivers United who have 46 points and three outstanding matches. Rivers United suffered a one-nil defeat at South-south rivals, Bayelsa United. Temple Emekayi unfortunately turned the ball into his own net on 13 minutes as Bayelsa United did the double over Rivers United. The champions Remo Stars got only their second win since the start of 2026 as Haruna Hadi’s brace on 60 and 62 minutes ensured their new head coach, Usman Abd’Allah began his reign with a win. But the titleholders still remain in the bottom-four. Sodiq Ibrahim and Qamar Adegoke fired Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to a two-goal lead against Kano Pillars at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan before Mustapha Jibrin scored a late goal in the 79th minute for Pillars. Enyimba were saved the embarrassment of a home defeat to new boys, Kun Khalifat FC, in a Southeast Derby by Ekene Awazie’s late goal after James Ekebuike had given the Owerri side the lead on 38 minutes. The only game that failed to provide a goal in this matchweek took place at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna where Niger Tornadoes in spite of their dominance shared points with visiting Warri Wolves. The matchday will be rounded off in Kano on Monday when Barau FC play hosts to Plateau United at the Sani Abacha Stadium from 4pm. The match is live on NPFL Live streaming app powered by Propel Sports.
Akanni strike seals crucial win for Kwara United
Kwara United boosted their survival hopes in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wikki Tourists in a Matchday 28 fixture. The crucial encounter was played at the MKO Abiola Stadium, where the Harmony Boys delivered a dominant performance from start to finish. Kwara United controlled proceedings early, with Shola Abdulraheem and Akeem Akanni anchoring the midfield effectively, while Kabir Mohammed and Afeez Musa — both returned after a few matches out — dazzled fans with solid displays at the back. The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when Akanni reacted quickest to slot home a rebound from Abdulraheem’s initial effort, sending the Harmony Boys into a deserved lead. The hosts continued to press after the break in search of a second goal. Afeez Musa came close in added time before the break, but was denied by the Wikki goalkeeper, Godswill Utim. Tactical substitutions at the start of the second half saw Philip Ozor, Abdulsalam Abdulsalam, and Mohammed replace Akanni, Issa Gata, and Abdulraheem. Toheeb Gidado nearly doubled the advantage in the 66th minute on a swift counterattack, but his effort was parried away. In the 88th minute, Kwara United were awarded a penalty after Gidado was pulled down in a goal-bound situation. Arinze Ogbonna’s spot kick struck the crossbar, leaving the scoreline at a slender 1-0 at full time. Speaking after the match, Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman expressed relief at the long-awaited victory, describing it as a vital step toward retaining their league status. “I’m happy with the result and satisfied with the performance of Shola Abdulraheem and Adeshina Gata, who just returned from injuries. Playing them will aid their full fitness,” he said. Kwara United will next face Katsina United on Sunday as they continue their fight for survival.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 28
Here are the match referees for this matchweek. Six matches will be live across NPFL Live on Propel Sports, AfroSoccer and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Saturday, February 28, 2026 EL-KANEMI WARRIORS V ABIA WARRIORS Referee: Hannah Elaigwu Assistant referee 1: Zango Muhammed Assistant referee 2: Aminu Salihu Fourth official: Zubairu Abubakar Kick-off: 4pm Venue: El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri KWARA UNITED V WIKKI TOURISTS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Chilaka Igwe Assistant referee 1: Olatunde Abdulmajid Assistant referee 2: Emmanuel Igwe Fourth official: Toheeb Olawale Shittu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin Sunday, March 1, 2026 BENDEL INSURANCE V IKORODU CITY (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Shina Iranloye Assistant referee 1: Friday Abu Emeje Assistant referee 2: Yazid Bashir Fourth official: Abubakar Usman Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City REMO STARS V KATSINA UNITED Referee: Abubakar Abdullahi Assistant referee 1: Beauty Terah Kabeda Assistant referee 2: Musa Isyaku Mohammed Fourth official: Joel Onoh Ota Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne 3SC V KANO PILLARS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports, AfroSoccer & FRCN) Referee: Okechukwu Ezeogwu Assistant referee 1: Mfon Friday Assistant referee 2: Solomon Hindan Fourth official: Ifeanyi Ibeneme Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan NIGER TORNADOES V WARRI WOLVES Referee: Funmilayo Alaba Assistant referee 1: Umar Mohammed Assistant referee 2: Damilola Oloyede Fourth official: Garba Yusuf Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna ENYIMBA V KUN KHALIFAT FC (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Nasiru Sani Assistant referee 1: Faith Agbons Assistant referee 2: Aminu Mammaga Fourth official: Isaac Sodiari Cookey Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba BAYELSA UNITED V RIVERS UNITED Referee: Quadri Adejumo Assistant referee 1: Abdulmojeed Usman Assistant referee 2: Justice Nwauzobilom Fourth official: Abdulrahman Adeniji Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa RANGERS V NASARAWA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Abdulrashid Jimoh Assistant referee 1: Shittu Mohammed Lawan Assistant referee 2: Bashir Mohammed Auwal Fourth official: Felix Ogundiran Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Monday, March 2, 2026 BARAU FC V PLATEAU UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Haruna Isah Kalshingi Assistant referee 1: Mahmud Yakubu Assistant referee 2: Sufiyan Abdullahi Fourth official: Shehu Isah Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano
NPFL mourns the demise of El-Kanemi Warriors chairman
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, has described as a huge loss to club football in the country, the shocking news of the death of the Chairman of El-Kanemi Warriors FC, Alhaji Ibrahim Mainu Mustapha. In his expression of condolence to the club, Elegbeleye said the late club chairman was one who supported initiatives of the NPFL Board in mobilising fans to their home matches and upheld fair play and violence-free matchdays in Maiduguri. ”Late Alhaji Maina Mustapha was a peaceful person who did his best to ensure the success of his club in particular and the NPFL in general,” ”We are deeply saddened by this loss of a very supportive member of the clubs chairmen’s association,” noted Elegbeleye. He prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and comfort from Allah for the family he left behind, the club and Borno State. El-Kanemi Warriors announced the passing of the Chairman on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 24, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital after a protracted illness.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 27
Find here the referees appointed for this matchweek that will have eight games live on AfroSoccer, NPFL Live powered by Propel Sports and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN): Saturday, February 21, 2026 WARRI WOLVES V BARAU FC Referee: Ridwan Ayeni Assistant referee 1: Ridwan Lawal Assistant referee 2: Blessing Aransowa Fourth official: Levy Aondofa Akpera Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro WIKKI TOURISTS V REMO STARS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Bashir Salihu Assistant referee 1: Yali Bobby Bobai Assistant referee 2: Sanusi Umar Idris Fourth official: Bashiru Saidu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos Sunday, February 22, 2026 KATSINA UNITED V RANGERS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Nurudeen Abubakar Assistant referee 1: Samuel Pwadutakam Assistant referee 2: Friday Francis Fourth official: Isah Gogo Hassan Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina ABIA WARRIORS V KWARA UNITED Referee: Arewaremi Ebineme Assistant referee 1: Victor Akokoba Assistant referee 2: Morrison Otuwho Fourth official: Uchenna Enyadike Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba KANO PILLARS V EL-KANEMI WARRIORS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Olabode Salam Idris Assistant referee 1: Kamga Bancir Lohul Assistant referee 2: Yusuf Kana Zubairu Fourth official: Alfa Sadiq Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano PLATEAU UNITED V 3SC (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Kasim Abdulsalam Assistant referee 1: Emmanuel Omada Assistant referee 2: Ahmad T. Mustapha Fourth official: Bulama Mohammed Kick-off: 4pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos KUN KHALIFAT FC V NIGER TORNADOES (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: John Ojeleye Assistant referee 1: Gaddafi Abubakar Assistant referee 2: Omotoye Oluwasakin Fourth official: Womi Samson Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri RIVERS UNITED V ENYIMBA (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Oluwatobi Mojeed Assistant referee 1: Jamilu Hamisu Assistant referee 2: Yahaya Ikara Fourth official: Amber Samuel Amozua Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt IKORODU CITY V BAYELSA UNITED (Live on AfroSoccer & NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Noah Adejoh Assistant referee 1: Adama Nelson Assistant referee 2: Chidiebere Paschal Fourth official: Suleiman Ibrahim Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos NASARAWA UNITED V BENDEL INSURANCE (Live on FRCN) Referee: Oluwatosin Omotoye Assistant referee 1: Zuru A. Bello Assistant referee 2: Ngaski M. Mansur Fourth official: Ahmad Lamido Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lafia City Stadium, Lafia
El-Kanemi goalkeeper Otuyiga on recovery path after injury layoff
El-Kanemi Warriors goalkeeper, Hakeem Otuyiga, has returned to training after spending more than a month on the sidelines owing to injury. The former Akwa United man joined his teammates this week in training but only did light work. Otuyiga’s return is a boost for El-Kanemi Warriors ahead of the final run-in of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. The goalkeeper is happy to be back and is ready to get into the thick of things. ”I am back to training but not fully back. I’ve started rehabilitation. I promise I will be back and better,” Otuyiga told the club’s media. Otuyiga suffered a fractured arm during a tune-up game in early January before the start of the second round and had to undergo a surgery immediately. He has since been out of the El-Kanemi Warriors squad. The goalkeeper has made 16 appearances for El-Kanemi Warriors this season and kept eight clean sheets.
3SC hit four past Wolves, Ikorodu City stun Enyimba
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) did not hold down the brakes on Sunday when they defeated Warri Wolves 4-2 in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta. The match did not start exactly the way Nurudeen Aweroro wanted it when they conceded in the seventh minute to Peter Ita’s strike. Wolves’ lead would only last for four minutes before Sodiq Ibrahim levelled the score. Lucky Emmanuel put 3SC ahead on 29 minutes off an absolute brilliant team goal before Desmond Ojietefian made sure the home side took a two-goal lead into the break with a headed finish off Ayobami Junior’s corner kick on 38 minutes. Twenty-four minutes into the restart, Stephen Amos scored the fourth goal for 3SC with a worldie of a strike to make the scoreline 4-1. Four minutes to time, Othuke Egbo made the scoreline a little respectable for Wolves by curling in a free kick to trim 3SC’s lead to two. League leaders, Ikorodu City, kept their place at the top of the standings with an organized performance at Enyimba. The Oga Boys defeated Enyimba 1-0 through Joseph Arumala’s goal on 29 minutes and held on till the end to claim a first win over the People’s Elephant in the NPFL. The defeat now leaves Enyimba just two points overlooking the drop zone. ARUMALA IN GOOD FORM The man whose goal inflicted a painful defeat on Enyimba has now scored four goals in his last four league appearances for Ikorodu City which puts him up as the player with red-hot form at the moment. Arumala’s goals have earned City nine points in wins over 3SC, Niger Tornadoes and now Enyimba. RANGERS NOW IN THE TITLE RACE Hot on the tails of Arumala and his teammates on the standings are Rangers International. They defeated Wikki Tourists 2-0 with first half goals from Wisdom Ebirim and Godwin Obaje. Rangers have now won four of their last six league games which has put them in second place with 43 points, one behind Ikorodu City. HAT-TRICK OF ASSISTS Worthy of mention in the past matchweek is 3SC midfielder Ayobami Junior. He caused Warri Wolves all sorts of trouble with his movements on and off the ball and through his pin-point passing. He contributed three assists to the four goals scored in his club’s 4-2 win over Wolves. THE CHAMPIONS IN TROUBLE The story is different for last season’s winners, Remo Stars who are now in danger of being relegated. The Sky Blue Stars sit in 19th place and have stretched their winless run to six (D2 L4) after a 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors at their adopted Akure Stadium home. The champions needed a late Samson Olasupo goal to cancel out Chukwuemeka Obioma’s 54th minute strike to earn a point. KANO PILLARS CONTINUE ESCAPE CLIMB For former champions, Kano Pillars, it appears they are gradually finding their way out of the bottom-four after closing the gap on the team above them to just goals difference after a 1-1 draw at Kwara United. Luis Dadong rescued a point for Kano Pillars with a 79th minute goal after Johnmark Aule had given Kwara United the lead on 10 minutes. Kano Pillars are in 17th place but level on 29 points with Wikki Tourists in 16th position. Sunday’s early kickoffs produced one-goal wins for El-Kanemi Warriors and Katsina United over Plateau United and Nasarawa United respectively. Usman Bulama scored an 82nd minute goal for El-Kanemi Warriors while Boubacar Massaly netted for Katsina United on 81 minutes. The match between Bayelsa United and Bendel Insurance was the only one that produced no goals. Earlier on Saturday, Barau FC edged past Kun Khalifat FC 1-0 through Joseph Atule’s winner.
Atule’s strike secures double for Barau over Kun Khalifat
Joseph Atule was the hero for Barau FC in the clash of newcomers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as his goal denied Kun Khalifat FC the chance of taking a point in a Matchday 26 fixture on Saturday. Atule, who surprisingly joined Barau FC in the mid-season transfer window, started on the bench but the pair of former Kun Khalifat players, Uche Moses and Henry Ezeonye, were named among the starters by their head coach Eugene Agagbe. Kun Khalifat head coach, Obinna Uzoho, stuck with the side that saw off Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) last matchday that included new-signings, James Ekebuike and Blessed Iyamu. The early moments of the contest at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano was balanced until Ezeonye had an opening on 20 minutes to open scoring but fired his attempt off target. The remaining part of the first 45 minutes was a tight affair except for when Atule came off the bench to Uche Moses who could no longer continue with five minutes to the break. The Maliya Boys approached the second half differently and often times Sagau Aliu became the tormentor of Kun Khalifat with his mazy run on the right channel. On 75 minutes, Sagau’s industry on the wings paid off as his cross was met at the near post by Atule who directed his header past Kun Khalifat goalkeeper Nsikakabong Akpan for the winning goal. It was the first goal for Atule in the green colour of Barau FC and also an important one that helped the Kano club move five points away from relegation spots until Sunday’s matches are determined. On the other hand, Kun Khalifat’s woes deepen as they remain in bottom place with 25 points and three below safety.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 26
Here are the referees appointed for this matchweek as there will be six matches broadcast across NPFL Live/Propel Sports, AfroSport TV and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN): Saturday, February 14, 2026 BARAU FC V KUN KHALIFAT FC (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Solomon Aweng Assistant referee 1: Aliu Usman Assistant referee 2: Justin Takyum Fourth official: Tijani Majidadi Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Sunday, February 15, 2026 RANGERS V WIKKI TOURISTS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Faro Abdulrahman Assistant referee 1: Abubakar Sada Assistant referee 2: Shade Ekun Fourth official: Johnbull Felagha Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu REMO STARS V ABIA WARRIORS Referee: Chado Mohammed Assistant referee 1: Simon T. Ber Assistant referee 2: Ibraheem Boyi Fourth official: Adema Nelson Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Akure Stadium, Akure KWARA UNITED V KANO PILLARS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Abdulmajid Saidu Assistant referee 1: Samuel Olufemi Akinlade Assistant referee 2: Nasiru Iyal Mafara Fourth official: Kabiru Sodiq Adekunle Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Kwara State Stadium Ilorin EL-KANEMI WARRIORS V PLATEAU UNITED Referee: Kenneth Benjamin Assistant referee 1: Ikenna Okerulu Assistant referee 2: Michael Ubah Fourth official: Auwalu Rabiu Kick-off: 3pm Venue: El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri 3SC V WARRI WOLVES (Live on NPFL Live Propel Sports, AfroSport & FRCN) Referee: Jahlove Chukwuka Assistant referee 1: Nura Ali Assistant referee 2: Scholastica Ikeobi Fourth official: Emmanuel Ajewole Kick-off: 4pm Venue: MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta ENYIMBA V IKORODU CITY (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Anderson T. Felagha Assistant referee 1: Elisha Clifford Assistant referee 2: Mohammed Abubakar Fourth official: Taiwo Ikechukwu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba BAYELSA UNITED V BENDEL INSURANCE Referee: Zakari Mohammed Assistant referee 1: Tajudeen Bako Assistant referee 2: Idris Ibrahim Fourth official: Nde Zachariah Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa KATSINA UNITED V NASARAWA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Joseph Ogabor Assistant referee 1: Iraneus Ezeobele Assistant referee 2: Smart Udeh Fourth official: Nalado Abdullahi Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina Thursday, March 19, 2026 NIGER TORNADOES V RIVERS UNITED Referee: Grema Mohammed Assistant referee 1: Mudashiru Lukman Assistant referee 2: Bukka Ciroma Fourth official: Uzairu Haruna Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lafia City Stadium, Lafia
Match preview: Barau FC v Kun Khalifat FC
This is a contest of two newcomers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and on paper it looks like a mismatch considering the recent form guides of both teams. They play each other this Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Kun Khalifat were the toast of fans at the early moments of the season before their stock fell. On the other hand, Barau FC have seen their stocks improved after investing in bringing new playing personnel in the mid-season transfer window including signing three of Kun Khalifat’s top stars, Ebuka Nwokorie, Uche Moses and Henry Ezeonye. Already, Moses has hit the ground running, scoring twice in five matches since switching from Kun Khalifat to Barau FC and could prove to be an X factor against his former team when they meet this Sunday. On their part, Kun Khalifat have brought replacements in Blessed Iyamu, Oghenetega Ebetomame and James Ekebuike who have proven their worth by contributing a goal each so far. Barau FC go into this match with so much confidence as they are now three places above the drop zone and unbeaten in their last five matches, meaning they are undefeated in 2026 so far. Eugene Agagbe’s men will be looking to do a double over their opponents having won the first meeting 3-1 in late September 2025. Things are not looking good for Kun Khalifat as they sit in bottom place and four points below safety. The only plus for Obinna Uzoho and his team will be drawing strength from seeing off Shooting Stars 2-0 in the last matchday.
