Kwara United will on Sunday host Kano Pillars in a Matchday 26 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as the Harmony Boys aim to bounce back from their narrow 1–0 defeat away to Plateau United. Following the disappointing outing in Jos, the players have put the setback behind them and shifted focus to Sunday’s crucial encounter. Kwara United’s training sessions during the week reflected renewed determination and commitment as the team intensify preparations for the fixture. Kwara United have been boosted by the return of Adeshina Gata, Shola Abdulraheem, and Ini Emmanuel, who are back in training after recovering from injuries. However, Babatunde Bright, Alao Mohammed, and Abdulsalam Abdulsalam are currently sidelined due to injuries. Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman, after supervising Friday’s final training session, described the game as a must-win encounter. He charged his players to remain focused, committed, and resolute as they strive to move completely away from the dropped zone. In a major morale booster, APC chieftain and TETFUND board member, Engr Nurudeen Adeyemi Balogun, has bought out all match tickets to grant supporters and stakeholders free access to the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl of the George Innih Stadium. The gesture is expected to attract a large turnout of fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere to rally the team throughout the 90 minutes. It would be recalled that Kano Pillars edged Kwara United by a lone goal in the first stanza of the season. The Harmony Boys will now look to claim maximum points in front of their home supporters when action kicks off at 4pm on Sunday.
Match preview: Remo Stars vs Abia Warriors
Abia Warriors are set to confront Nigerian champions, Remo Stars in one of the Matchday 26 fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) scheduled across the country this weekend. This is coming just a week after Abia Warriors were involved in a blockbuster Oriental Derby against Rangers International FC that had spectators at the edge of their seats at the Enyimba Stadium, in Aba. Despite drawing the game goalless, a result that extended the Warriors’ winless streak to four games, the Umuahia club are determined to get back to winning ways as they go hunting in Akure against Remo Stars. The reverse fixture saw the Warriors beat the Ikenne club 2-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium, an outcome the visitors will want to replicate as they hope to keep their continental aspirations alive. The league champions, on the other hand, will surely go all out for a win, having also been winless in their last five games and the realization that they are now swimming in the relegation waters set the tone for an interesting and intriguing spectacle that will be filled with suspense. Umu Chineke have averaged 0.8 goals (scored) per game and 0.68 goals conceded, whereas the Remo Stars have averaged 0.88 goals (scored) and 1.24 goals conceded. After 25 NPFL games played, Abia Warriors are in fifth position on the league table with 39 points, while Remo Stars find themselves in the 19th position with 26 points. Abia Warriors will take on league champions, at the Akure Stadium, this Sunday, from 4pm. INJURY UPDATE OUT Augustine Njoku, Wilson Elu, Ayodele Ezekiel, Imo Obot and Paul Samson are out. IN Yakub Hammed, Innocent Godwin and Israel Joseph are back. HEAD TO HEAD: LAST 5 GAMES 02/10/25 AWFC 2-0 RSFC 29/01/25 RSFC 3-2 AWFC 08/09/24 AWFC 0-2 RSFC 18/02/24 AWFC 0-0 RSFC 21/01/24 RSFC 2-1 AWFC
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 25
Here are the referees lined up for this matchweek as seven games are scheduled for broadcast on NPFL Live powered by Propel Sports Africa and one game on the dial of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN): Saturday, February 7, 2026 BENDEL INSURANCE V ENYIMBA (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Saheed Babayanju Assistant referee 1: Aanuoluwapo Balogun Assistant referee 2: Sadiq Adejumo Fourth official: Christian Augustine Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City Sunday, February 8, 2026 KANO PILLARS V REMO STARS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Alhassan Mustapha Assistant referee 1: Jerry Jimmy Pam Assistant referee 2: Peter Bwamba Fourth official: Abdulganiyu Abdulmalik Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano RIVERS UNITED V BARAU FC (Postponed) Referee: Isah Gogo Assistant referee 1: Muyiwa Ladoja Assistant referee 2: Ibrahim Ahmed Fourth official: Nkemka Ugochukwu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt ABIA WARRIORS V RANGERS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Alohan Osakpamwan Assistant referee 1: Koute Sivivie Assistant referee 2: Jimmy Aimuagbonrie Fourth official: Nde Zachariah Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba PLATEAU UNITED V KWARA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Kingsley Uche Chukwukerem Assistant referee 1: Moses Alaiyemola Assistant referee 2: Kingsley Nze Madu Fourth official: Muazu Dahiru Kick-off: 4pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos IKORODU CITY V NIGER TORNADOES (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports & FRCN) Referee: Emmanuel Adie Assistant referee 1: Gwegwe Enize Assistant referee 2: Austin Onyika Fourth official: Arewaremi Ebineme Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos WIKKI TOURISTS V KATSINA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Chidiebere Desmond Onyemezie Assistant referee 1: Gerald Anyam Assistant referee 2: Fizobe Samson Fourth official: Muntaka Abubakar Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi WARRI WOLVES V EL-KANEMI WARRIORS Referee: Adeniji Abdulrahman Assistant referee 1: Stephen Nwadukwe Assistant referee 2: Cletus Adewebi Fourth official: Ajibo Chineme Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro KUN KHALIFAT V 3SC (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Yusuf Garba Assistant referee 1: Joel Ota Assistant referee 2: Maimuri Abu Fourth official: Lewis Gwatana Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri NASARAWA UNITED V BAYELSA UNITED Referee: Jeremiah Osunde Assistant referee 1: Ibrahim Anas Assistant referee 2: Yakubu Aliyu Fourth official: Adamu Bashir Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lafia City Stadium, Lafia
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 24
Here are the referees for this matchweek as seven matches will be live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports including one match on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN): Sunday, February 1, 2026 3SC v RIVERS UNITED (Postponed) Referee: Nurudeen Abubakar Assistant referee 1: Bobby Yalle Assistant referee 2: Aliyu Usman Fourth official: Abdulmajid Suleiman Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan ENYIMBA v BAYELSA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Jude Tyopine Assistant referee 1: Opeyemi Usman Assistant referee 2: Yusuf Kana Zubairu Fourth official: Cletus Adewebi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba KATSINA UNITED v ABIA WARRIORS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Andrew Iorkyaan Assistant referee 1: Mohammed Sambo Assistant referee 2: Amber Samuel Fourth official: James Jefferson Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano RANGERS v KANO PILLARS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Shina Iranloye Assistant referee 1: Morrison Otuwho Assistant referee 2: Ismaila Rasheed Fourth official: Jimmy Aimuagbonrie Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu NIGER TORNADOES v BENDEL INSURANCE Referee: Adewale Adeniyi Assistant referee 1: Fatai Yunusa Assistant referee 2: Akinsanya Akinwale Fourth official: Gbenga Akomolafe Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna WIKKI TOURISTS v NASARAWA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Nasiru Sani Assistant referee 1: Adamu Zakari Assistant referee 2: Auwal Usman Fourth official: Mohammad Ubah Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi Monday, February 2, 2026 EL-KANEMI WARRIORS v KUN KHALIFAT Referee: Rasheedat Abdulganiyu Assistant referee 1: Azi Sunday Samuel Assistant referee 2: Yusuf Dauda Ayuba Fourth official: Rabiu Mohammed Kick-off: 3pm Venue: El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri BARAU FC v IKORODU CITY (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Adamu Yakubu Assistant referee 1: Abba Dada Assistant referee 2: Stanley Idowu Fourth official: Musa Adamu Bako Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano KWARA UNITED v WARRI WOLVES (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Grema Mohammed Assistant referee 1: Abdulwahab Bakare Assistant referee 2: Bukar Chiroma Fourth official: Joseph Onayemi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin REMO STARS v PLATEAU UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Justin C. Egwom Assistant referee 1: Amos Onunwor Assistant referee 2: Ifeanyi Ibeneme Fourth official: Ridwan Ajao Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City
Amapakabo galvanizes Abia Warriors troops for Katsina trip
Imama Amapakabo has shifted his focus on his side’s next Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) game to this Sunday’s trip to the Northwest town of Katsina. Amapakabo’s men have dropped points in two back-to-back home matches from winning positions and they now play two games on the road on the spin starting with Katsina United before travelling to face the champions Remo Stars. Despite their taking just a point in their last two matches, Amapakabo is confident of taking a result out of Sunday’s clash with Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. ”We have a very long journey to Katsina, so it’s all about staying calm. ”We’ll travel to Katsina, rest and, like every other league game, we’ll play it and try to get something there,” he told the club’s media just before they departed Umuahia for Katsina. Abia Warriors were in second position before their double home fixtures, but a 2-1 defeat to Nasarawa United followed by a 1-1 draw with Wikki Tourists have seen them slip to fourth place on the standings. Now they have to claw back those dropped points in back-to-back aways fixtures at Katsina United and Remo Stars. They also have to play both matches without Augustine Njoku, Yakub Hammed, Wilson Elu, Innocent Godwin, Ayodele Ezekiel and Israel Joseph who are ruled out owing to injuries and illnesses.
Ikorodu City overcome 3SC amid low-scoring day
Ikorodu City stayed organized enough to keep an early goal lead to ensure they edged past Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on a day that witnessed a low-scoring performance in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Thursday. Joseph Arumala fired home from a rebound inside the second minute of the Southwest Derby at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos to earn City the bragging rights in the contest. The win puts Ikorodu City in the top-three of the standings, three places ahead of 3SC. The story is different for the defending champions Remo Stars who now find themselves in the relegation zone after defeat at Warri Wolves. The champions suffered a 0-1 loss at the Southern Delta University Stadium in Ozoro after Chisom Orji netted the winner for Wolves on 52 minutes. Remo Stars have dropped into the bottom-four following a poor run of form that has seen them win just twice in their last 10 NPFL matches (D1 L7). New boys, Kun Khalifat FC, ended their winless run of seven matches with a 1-0 triumph over Kwara United. Chikamso Amaefula scored the winner on 52 minutes but they still remain bottom of the pile. Two other games on Thursday ended goalless. Bayelsa United and Niger Tornadoes shared the points in the day’s early kickoff while Bendel Insurance and Barau FC played out 0-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Vincent’s double lifts Plateau Utd, Ahmed Musa stars
Temitope Vincent put up a sterling performance as his goals ensured that Plateau United defeated Rangers International 2-1 at the New Jos Stadium in one of Wednesday’s fixtures in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Vincent opened scoring on 15 minutes after he was played through on goal by Hussain Abdallah and he held off his marker before lobbing the ball over Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh. Plateau United’s lead lasted only 13 minutes when Rangers captain Chidiebere Nwobodo capitalized on poor defending from a corner kick to head in the equalizer. Five minutes before halftime, Vincent restored Plateau United’s lead from the spot. The second half produced no goals as Gbenga Ogunbote’s men saw out their lead to climb out of the bottom-four. Ahmed Musa was the hero as he scored the winner for Kano Pillars to edge past Katsina United 1-0 in Northwest Derby. The win puts life back into Kano Pillars’ race for survival. Enyimba and Wikki Tourists earned a point each at Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors. Kalu Nweke scored from the spot on 73 minutes for Enyimba to equalize after JoFrank Istifanus had given Nasarawa United the lead in the 69th minute. Beforr then Istifanus had won a penalty for Nasarawa United but Samuel Pam’s kick was saved by Enyimba goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga. Wikki’s Taheer Abubakar returned to the Umuahia Township Stadium to deny his former club, Abia Warriors a win when he netted on 56 minutes to cancel Emeka Obioma’s goal five minutes earlier. It is the second successive match that Abia Warriors have Vincent’s double lifts Plateau Utd, Ahmed Musa stars Temitope Vincent put up a sterling performance as his goals ensured that Plateau United defeated Rangers International 2-1 at the New Jos Stadium in one of Wednesday’s fixtures in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Vincent opened scoring on 15 minutes after he was played through on goal by Hussain Abdallah and he held off his marker before lobbing the ball over Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh. Plateau United’s lead lasted only 13 minutes when Rangers captain Chidiebere Nwobodo capitalized on poor defending from a corner kick to head in the equalizer. Five minutes before halftime, Vincent restored Plateau United’s lead from the spot. The second half produced no goals as Gbenga Ogunbote’s men saw out their lead to climb out of the bottom-four. Ahmed Musa was the hero as he scored the winner for Kano Pillars to edge past Katsina United 1-0 in Northwest Derby. The win puts life back into Kano Pillars’ race for survival. Enyimba and Wikki Tourists earned a point each at Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors. Kalu Nweke scored from the spot on 73 minutes for Enyimba to equalize after JoFrank Istifanus had given Nasarawa United the lead in the 69th minute. Beforr then Istifanus had won a penalty for Nasarawa United but Samuel Pam’s kick was saved by Enyimba goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga. Wikki’s Taheer Abubakar returned to the Umuahia Township Stadium to deny his former club, Abia Warriors a win when he netted on 56 minutes to cancel Emeka Obioma’s goal five minutes earlier. It is the second successive match that Abia Warriors have dropped points from winning positions. The midweek schedule in the NPFL will be concluded on Thursday with five matches.
Match officials & TV schedule for Matchday 22
Here are the match officials for this matchweek as six games will be live on NPFL Live powered by Propel Sports. The match between Kwara United and Rivers United is postponed owing to the latter’s involvement in the CAF Champions League this weekend. Saturday, January 24, 2026 KATSINA UNITED V PLATEAU UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Okechukwu Ezeogu Assistant referee 1: Stephen Nwadukwe Assistant referee 2: Smart Udeh Fourth official: Haruna Isah Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Sunday, January 25, 2026 WIKKI TOURISTS V KANO PILLARS (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Maram Solomon Assistant referee 1: Adama Nelson Assistant referee 2: Adams Boyi Ibraheem Fourth official: Samuel Sunday Azi Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi EL-KANEMI WARRIORS V IKORODU CITY Referee: Noah Adejoh Assistant referee 1: Mustapha Dahiru Assistant referee 2: Habibu Salihu Fourth official: Zubairu Kana Yusuf Kick-off: 3pm Venue: El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri RANGERS V WARRI WOLVES (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Alhassan Mustapha Assistant referee 1: Sodiq Adejumo Assistant referee 2: Solomon Hindan Fourth official: Eric Kwanga Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu SHOOTING STARS SPORTS CLUB (3SC) V BENDEL INSURANCE Referee: Kassim Abdulsalam Assistant referee 1: Beauty Terah Assistant referee 2: Ibrahim Muhammad Fourth official: Tajudeen Bako Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan BARAU FC V BAYELSA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Muhammad Dahiru Assistant referee 1: Abdullahi Shuaibu Assistant referee 2: Gaddafi Abubakar Fourth official: Ahmed Bagudu Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano NIGER TORNADOES V ENYIMBA Referee: Yemisi Akintoye Assistant referee 1: Faith Agbons Assistant referee 2: Usman Ubah Fourth official: Saheed Babayanju Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna ABIA WARRIORS V NASARAWA UNITED (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Daniel Okwoche Assistant referee 1: Victor Akokoba Assistant referee 2: Samson Womi Ikpi Fourth official: Ben Chilaka Igwe Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Umuahia Township Stadium, Umuahia KWARA UNITED V RIVERS UNITED (POSTPONED) Referee: Auwalu Rabiu Assistant referee 1: Zachi Muhammad Assistant referee 2: Muhammad Aminu Mammaga Fourth official: Adamu Zakari Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin Monday, January 26, 2026 REMO STARS V KUN KHALIFAT (Live on NPFL Live/Propel Sports) Referee: Zubairu Abubakar Assistant referee 1: Yusuf Indabawa Assistant referee 2: Sha’arani Guza Fourth official: Emmanuel Adewole Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan
Niger Tornadoes defender Ezeifule eyes return to action
Niger Tornadoes central defender, Chibueze Damien Ezeifule, has expressed his readiness to return to competitive action after missing the opening fixtures of the second round of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) due to illness. The Imo State–born defender, who joined the Minna-based club from Kun Khalifat FC, has been one of the standout performers for the Ikon Allah Boys this season. Before his absence, Ezeifule has featured in 18 league matches and played a key role in solidifying Niger Tornadoes’ defensive line. His commanding presence at the heart of defence, alongside Sunday Akinmoladun, helped the team establish one of their most reliable partnerships at the back. Fondly nicknamed ‘Maldini’, Ezeifule attributes the moniker to his admiration for the legendary Italian defender and former AC Milan captain, Paolo Maldini. He revealed that Maldini’s leadership, commitment, and fighting spirit greatly influenced his own approach to the game. “I admire Maldini a lot because he was a true leader and a fighter who always gave everything for the badge,” Chibueze said. “Watching him while growing up shaped my mentality as a defender.” The centre-back emphasized his determination to repay the trust shown in him by the coaching crew, describing his stint with Niger Tornadoes as a crucial phase in his career. “This is my first real experience in the NPFL, and it means a lot to me,” he added. “I want to replicate those same qualities—commitment, sacrifice, and consistency—for Niger Tornadoes. The confidence the coaches have placed in me is something I can only repay with strong performances on the pitch.” After missing Niger Tornadoes’ last three matches, Ezeifule confirmed he has fully recovered and is available for selection ahead of this weekend’s crucial home clash against Enyimba. “I’m fully fit now after overcoming the illness that kept me out,” he said. “I’m healed, well-rested, and ready to make a strong comeback.” Niger Tornadoes will host Enyimba in Minna in what will be their only home fixture in January. The Ikon Allah Boys will be keen to bounce back and put an end to their recent run of defeats, with Ezeifule’s return expected to provide a timely boost to the team’s defensive stability.
Match officials & broadcast schedule for Matchday 21
The second matchweek of the business end of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will take place on Sunday and Monday. One game is live on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Here are also the referees appointed for the 10 matches: Sunday, January 18, 2026 KANO PILLARS V ABIA WARRIORS Referee: Benjamin Ogwuche Assistant referee 1: Nalado Abdullahi Assistant referee 2: Ibrahim Umar Fourth official: Ibrahim Idris Kick-off: 3:30pm Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano BENDEL INSURANCE V EL-KANEMI WARRIORS Referee: Jahlove Chukwuka Assistant referee 1: Scholastica Ikeobi Assistant referee 2: Vincent Giwa Fourth official: Fatai Yunusa Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City BAYELSA UNITED V SHOOTING STARS SPORTS CLUB(3SC) Referee: Muntaka Abubakar Assistant referee 1: Peter Bwamba Assistant referee 2: Muhammad Uba Abubakar Fourth official: Adama Abdulkadir Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro PLATEAU UNITED V WIKKI TOURISTS Referee: Kenneth Benjamin Assistant referee 1: Jamilu Hamisu Assistant referee 2: Lukman Mudassiru Fourth official: Shittu L. Muhammad Kick-off: 4pm Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos RIVERS UNITED V REMO STARS Referee: Chineme Ajibor Assistant referee 1: Ahmad Tijjani Mustapha Assistant referee 2: Sani Zakari Isah Fourth official: Kingsley Madu Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt IKORODU CITY V KWARA UNITED (Live on FRCN) Referee: Joseph Ogabor Assistant referee 1: Mahmud Yakubu Assistant referee 2: Emmanuel Atu Fourth official: Koute Sivivie Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos ENYIMBA V BARAU FC Referee: Adeniyi Abdulrahman Assistant referee 1: Felix Ogundiran Assistant referee 2: Akinsanya Akinwale Fourth official: Imuetinyan Ikponwonsa Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba NASARAWA UNITED V NIGER TORNADOES Referee: Mudassiru Adamu Assistant referee 1: Linus Akobi Ogar Assistant referee 2: Nura Ali Fourth official: Alhassan Bello Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Lafia City Stadium, Lafia Monday, January 19, 2026 WARRI WOLVES V KATSINA UNITED Referee: Nkemka Ogochukwu Assistant referee 1: Ber Simon Terungwa Assistant referee 2: Ridwan Ajao Fourth official: Chinonso Ezeh Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro KUN KHALIFAT FC V RANGERS Referee: Abdulganiyu Bello Assistant referee 1: Zango Muhammad Assistant referee 2: Yazid Bashir Fourth official: Ezechi Kalu Udo Kick-off: 4pm Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri
