Dramatic Matchday 8 in the NPFL
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) witnessed a dramatic matchday 8, filled with late goals, surprising results, and significant shifts in the league standings. Several teams experienced notable changes in their positions, with some rising and others falling.
Kun Khalifat Stuns Enyimba
In Owerri, Kun Khalifat delivered a stunning victory over Enyimba, ending the People’s Elephant’s unbeaten start to the 2025/26 season. Ebuka Nwokorie scored a curling free kick in the 69th minute, securing a 1–0 win for Kun Khalifat. Enyimba played the entire second half with ten men after Henry Ndedi was sent off in first-half stoppage time.
The Owerri-based club, returning to their home ground at the Dan Anyiam Stadium for the first time this season, managed to keep their composure and secure only their second win of the campaign. This defeat ended Enyimba’s seven-game unbeaten streak, dropping them to third place with 13 points from eight matches.
Remo Stars Continue to Struggle
Champions Remo Stars faced another setback as they lost 3–1 to Katsina United. Elijah Akanni gave the hosts an early lead in the 31st minute, but Abubakar Ibrahim equalized eight minutes later. Uche Collins restored Katsina’s advantage from the penalty spot just after the hour mark, and Abdulrahman Garba sealed the victory in added time.
This loss means the Sky Blue Stars have now lost three of their last four league matches, slipping to 12th place with just ten points. Katsina United, on the other hand, climbed to sixth with 12 points.
Abia Warriors Maintain Pressure on Nasarawa United
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors continued their strong performance by defeating El Kanemi Warriors 2–0. Casmir Azubuike scored both goals within four minutes, striking in the 24th and 28th minutes. This result keeps Abia Warriors in second place with 15 points, just four behind league leaders Nasarawa United.
Nasarawa United Extend Winning Streak
Table-toppers Nasarawa United came from behind to defeat Enugu Rangers 2–1 in Lafia. Wisdom Ebirim opened the scoring in the 19th minute, but Anas Yusuf equalized from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute. John Joshua’s second-half strike ensured the hosts’ sixth win of the season.
Nasarawa United remain at the top of the table with 19 points after eight matches, extending their winning streak to five games.
Other Key Results
At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Adams Mustapha’s stoppage-time strike rescued a point for Shooting Stars in a 1–1 draw against Kano Pillars. Mustapha Jibrin had earlier put the hosts in front in the ninth minute.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists and Kwara United played out a 1–1 draw. Jonathan Mairiga opened the scoring for the hosts, while Toheeb Gidado equalized just before half-time. Kwara goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmos made crucial saves to preserve the point.
Plateau United secured a 2–0 win over Barau FC in Jos. Amietimi Enewarikpemi and Vincent Temitope scored within five minutes of each other in the second half.
Warri Wolves and Niger Tornadoes shared the spoils in Ozoro. Israel Oladejo gave Warri Wolves the lead in the 18th minute, but Terdoo Shemagande leveled for the visitors after a goalkeeper error.
In Lagos, Folarin Temitope’s 10th-minute strike was enough for the Oga Boys to secure a 1–0 win over Bendel Insurance at the Onikan Waterfront.
Postponed Match
The Niger Delta derby between Rivers United and Bayelsa United was postponed to Monday morning due to heavy rainfall in Port Harcourt.
Current Standings
Nasarawa United continue to lead the pack with 19 points after eight matches, followed by Abia Warriors (15) and Enyimba (13). Rivers United, who have two games in hand, sit fourth with 12 points, level with Shooting Stars and Katsina United.
At the bottom of the table, Barau remain at the bottom with five points, while Bendel Insurance and Kun Khalifat hover just above them with six and eight points respectively.
Remo Stars’ struggles have seen them slide to the bottom half of the table for the second time this season in their title defense. Meanwhile, Nasarawa United have firmly established themselves as early pacesetters in a campaign already proving full of twists.