Matchday 28 of the Nigeria Premier Football League got underway on Saturday with home sides El Kanemi Warriors and Kwara United claiming vital victories in front of their fans, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At the El-Kanemi Stadium in Maiduguri, the hosts produced a composed display to defeat Abia Warriors 2–0. Daddy Abdulrahman broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot after the home side were awarded a spot-kick.

El Kanemi controlled proceedings for much of the contest and eventually put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages. Bashir Musa struck in the 86th minute to double the lead and secure maximum points for the Maiduguri-based side.

Elsewhere in Abeokuta, Wikki Tourists suffered a slim 1–0 loss to Kwara United. Akeem Akanni netted the decisive goal as early as the 15th minute, a strike that ultimately proved enough for the Harmony Boys to take all three points.

The remaining Matchday 28 fixtures are set to be concluded on Sunday and Monday as teams continue their push for crucial points in the closing stretch of the season.

Enyimba International has completed the signing of Abubakar Boni from Seamorriow Football Academy, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The versatile midfielder joins the People’s Elephant to reinforce their squad for the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

A right-footed central midfielder, Boni can operate as a number eight or in a more defensive pivot role, often occupying the central lane whether playing alone or alongside a midfield partner. His adaptability across midfield positions is expected to provide tactical flexibility for Enyimba.

The 23-year-old previously played for Kwara United before moving to Seamorriow Football Academy and has now taken the next step in his career by joining the two-time CAF Champions League winners.

Boni was included in Enyimba’s squad for their midweek clash against Nasarawa United in Lafia, but did not feature on the pitch. The soft-spoken midfielder is expected to make his official debut for Enyimba against Bayelsa United on Sunday, as the club looks to strengthen its push in the league.

Enyimba interim head coach Lawrence Ukaegbu has voiced his delight following Enyimba’s 3–1 victory over Kwara United in their Matchday 17 Nigeria Premier Football League clash in Aba on Sunday, describing the contest as a strong all-round performance from his team, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The People’s Elephant had taken the lead in the first half through Samuel Agu but Kwara United responded before the break when Toyeeb Gidado struck to restore parity.

Enyimba, however asserted their dominance after the interval with Chidera Michael scoring twice in the space of three minutes to put the game beyond reach and secure all three points.

“It was a good game, and that was what we expected,” the 56-year-old tactician said. “We really trained well for the match. It wasn’t a surprise; it was a good game for us.”

“Apart from the mistakes (from the Kwara United goalkeeper), you know we missed some scoring chances too.

“The target, however, is to get nine points from our next three games.”

“We did that (won 3-1 against Kwara United) successfully because of the pattern we played,” he disclosed. “We played with a 4-2-3-1 formation, and as we are returning to defend, it changes to 4-5-1.

“Now, we are going to El Kanemi; we know how they play. We are not going to use the same formation, we’ll change our formation, which I will not reveal.”

The two-time African champions will turn their attention to their next assignment on Sunday, when they travel to Maiduguri to take on El Kanemi Warriors. The fixture presents another opportunity to build on recent progress as the season gathers momentum.

Ahead of the encounter, Ukaegbu has made it clear that the focus is firmly on sustaining their winning run, with preparations already underway to ensure the team carries its confidence into the difficult away test.

That latest victory has lifted the record nine-time league champions to eighth place on the NPFL table. They now have 23 points from 17 matches, sitting eight points adrift of leaders Nasarawa United who top the standings with 31 points.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye 

Enyimba FC returned to winning ways with an impressive 3–1 victory over Kwara United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week 17 clash at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested, with both sides showing early intent but failing to register clear chances. Kwara United recorded the first shot on target, though Babatunde Bright’s low drive posed little threat to Enyimba goalkeeper Dede Dare.

The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute when Agu Samuel struck a thunderous long-range effort that flew past Kwara United goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus, opening his goal account for the People’s Elephant.

Kwara United responded swiftly, drawing level in the 29th minute through Gidado Toyeeb, whose individual brilliance saw him beat Dare to restore parity for the Harmony Boys. The teams went into the break level at 1–1 after a fiercely contested first half.

Enyimba emerged strongly after the restart and regained control in the 58th minute when Chidera Michael rose unmarked inside the six-yard box to flick home a cross from Pascal Eze, putting the hosts back in front. Just three minutes later, the forward struck again, calmly tapping into an empty net to complete his brace and extend Enyimba’s lead to 3–1.

Kwara United pushed forward in search of a comeback, but Enyimba’s defence held firm, limiting the visitors to half-chances. The home side also came close to adding a fourth when Onyebuchi Nwaorisa’s curling effort struck the woodwork late on.

Despite a late injury to goalkeeper Dede Dare, which forced Enyimba into changes, the Aba giants saw out the contest comfortably to claim all three points.

The win puts People's Elephant in 8th position with 23 points after 17 matches played.

Uche Dozie

Nasarawa United and Bendel Insurance strengthened their Nigeria Premier Football League campaigns on Monday evening with crucial victories that reshaped the standings at both ends of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United edged Shooting Stars 1–0 to reclaim top spot in the NPFL. The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when substitute Moyi Hassan unleashed a powerful strike to hand the Solid Miners all three points in a tightly contested match. The win underscores Nasarawa United’s growing consistency as the race for the title intensifies.

At the Ilorin Township Stadium, Bendel Insurance secured a vital 1–0 victory over Katsina United. Elmer Arunta provided the decisive moment in the 71st minute, finishing calmly to lift the Benin Arsenal out of the relegation zone. The result offers much-needed relief for the Benin side, who had been hovering dangerously near the bottom of the table.

With the win, Nasarawa United move back to the summit with 30 points, two ahead of second-placed Ikorodu City. Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, climbs from 19th to 15th place, now on 19 points after 16 matches, significantly improving their chances of survival as the season approaches its midpoint.

Uche Dozie

Matchday 16 of the Nigeria Premier Football League produced late goals, narrow victories and intense contests across multiple centres on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors snatched a point at the death in their 1–1 draw with Rivers United. The visitors took the lead in the 86th minute through Maclyn Biokpo, but Suraju Lawal struck a dramatic 90+4th-minute equaliser to ensure honours were even.

Kwara United secured one of the day’s convincing wins with a 2–0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin. Bright Babatunde opened the scoring in the 15th minute before a 37th-minute own goal by Abba Khalid doubled the hosts’ advantage.

In Jos, Plateau United edged Warri Wolves 1–0 courtesy of a 19th-minute own goal by Gift David. The match, however, ended on a tense note as both teams had a player sent off in the 86th minute — Vincent Temitope of Plateau and Gift David of Wolves.

Remo Stars claimed a crucial 2–1 win over Enyimba in Abeokuta. Former Enyimba striker Victor Mbaoma proved decisive with a brace in the 3rd and 45th minutes, while Edidiong Ezekiel momentarily levelled for the visitors in the 32nd minute.

In Kano, legendary midfielder Rabiu Ali inspired Kano Pillars to a 2–1 victory over Kun Khalifat. Ali scored in the 19th minute and added a second from the penalty spot in the 38th, before Ebuka Nwokorie pulled one back for the visitors.

Two matches ended goalless: Wikki Tourists were held 0–0 by Ikorodu City in Bauchi, while El-Kanemi Warriors and Barau FC also failed to find the net in Maiduguri.

The results see several teams solidify their positions as the league enters its crucial phase, with battles intensifying at both ends of the table.

Uche Dozie

Barau FC secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Kwara United in a pulsating Nigeria Premier Football League encounter that produced end-to-end action, late drama, and a decisive stoppage-time winner, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The hosts struck first in the 19th minute through Usman Maidubuji, who curled in a superb direct free-kick to record his first-ever goal for the club.

Kwara United responded in the 40th minute when Chibuzor Eze Ogbodo found the equaliser, despite protests for offside.

Barau reclaimed the lead deep into first-half stoppage time, with captain Nura Ibrahim rising highest to head home and send the Maliya Boys into the break 2–1 up.

Kwara United restored parity just three minutes into the second half. A defensive error by Yusuf Muhd allowed Aule Johnmark to pounce and make it 2–2.

The hosts had a lifeline in the 64th minute, but goalkeeper Nuruddeen Badmus denied Emmanuel Okoko from the penalty spot — his second penalty save of the season — keeping Kwara United firmly in the contest.

The decisive moment arrived in the closing stages when substitute Stanley Oganbor struck in the 90th minute to seal a dramatic victory for Barau FC, sparking celebrations among the home fans.

The win at the Sani Abacha Stadium gives Barau FC a vital boost as they continue their push out of the relegation waters in the NPFL standings.

Uche Dozie

Multiple-time champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Enyimba, continued their downward slope following another loss to Plateau United, as Kwara United earned a point in Enugu against Rangers International, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

It was another bad day in the office for Enyimba as they lost to Plateau United by two goals to one at the New Jos Stadium.

A keenly contested affair in the first half saw the tie remain goalless until Monday Gideon opened the score for the hosts in the 50th minute.

Jonathan Jacob restored parity for Enyimba in the 68th minute. Still, a second goal by Jacob on 76 minutes sealed the win for the Peace Boys and handed Enyimba their third consecutive defeat.

Kwara United held Rangers International to a goalless draw at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Goals from Igbunu Evwierhurhoma in the 14th and 90+4 minutes gave Warri Wolves a vital win at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, to go fourth on the log.

Emeka Obioma's 16-minute strike and  Sunday Megwo's goal on 62 minutes gave Abia Warriors a 2-0 win over Barau FC.

Wikki Tourist ended Shooting Stars Sports Club's five-match unbeaten streak after a 2-0 win in Bauchi. Abdullahi Usman on 31 minutes and Jonathan Mairiga on 42 minutes sealed that deal.

Uche Dozie

Kwara United FC have parted ways with their head coach, Tunde Sanni, following their 0-1 defeat in Ilorin against Abia Warriors FC, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

One week after their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup, the team lost 0-1 at home for a second successive Sunday, this time in the Nigeria Premier Football League against Abia Warriors.

Sanni guided the club to their first-ever President's Federation Cup triumph last season.

Assistant coach Ashifat Suleiman takes charge with immediate effect.

Uche Dozie 

Abia Warriors and Warri Wolves stole the show in the Nigeria Premier Football League match day 7, following their away wins against Kwara United and Barau FC, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Abia Warriors edged the Harmony Boys 1-0 at the Umuahia Stadium following a goal from Emeka Obioma, three minutes into the second half.

Obioma scored from the spot after Kwara United's GK handled an indirect ball in the box.

In Kano, new boys, Barau FC tasted home defeat at the hands of NPFL returnees, Warri Wolves, following a goal on 29 minutes by Justus Ohanu.

The Maliya Boys' morale for an equalizer was further reduced following the sending off of Emmanuel Okoko after receiving a second yellow card as the encounter ended 0-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.

Rivers United remained strong so far this season, going to Aba to play a goalless draw against Enyimba FC. The two sides remain unbeaten in seven matches.

Tosin Oyedokun scored from the spot for Ikorodu City on 83 minutes to help the Tech Boys secure a point against Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Emo James had given the Prosperity Boys the lead on 26 minutes.

Niger Tornadoes and Kun Khalifat also settled for a 1-all draw at the Bako Kontagora  Stadium in Minna.

Abba Khalid had put the Ikon Allah ahead before Ugochukwu Akuta levelled the score for the Owerri-based side.

A goal by Ismail Ayodele in 90+6 minutes was all Shooting Stars Sports Club needed to edge Plateau United and grab their third straight win at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

Earlier, Nasarawa United defeated Bendel Insurance in Benin to remain top of the log after a late goal by Mohammed Garba.

El Kanemi Warriors also defeated Kano Pillars 2-1 at home.

Uche Dozie

Rivers United have joined Remo Stars to progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League, while Kwara United and Abia Warriors failed to qualify to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers piped FC Les Aigles du Congo at the Godswill Akpabio Intl Stadium, Uyo, to reach the second round of the prestigious competition.

A goal at the brink of the first half by Stephen Manyo was enough to earn Rivers United a 1-0 win and a 1-0 aggregate win in both legs.

It was a different case for other teams representing Nigeria, like Kwara United and Abia Warriors, as they lost to Djoliba and Asante Kotoko, respectively.

Ghanaian club, Asante Kotoko, beat Nigerian club, Kwara United, 1-0 (5-3 on aggregate) to qualify for the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Djoliba won 1-0 to win 2-1 on aggregate at Bamako.

Remo Stars, who triumphed over US Zilimadjou 5-0 on aggregate, progress to the next round with Rivers United.

Uche Dozie

Kwara United's CAF Confederation Cup second leg tie against Asante Kotoko will now be played at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

https://twitter.com/KwaraUnitedFC/status/1970494285985321003?t=YKLKmwUGMpQ0EbAyc__uYw&s=19

The Nigeria Premier Football League side announced the latest development via its social media handles on Tuesday.

The Harmony Boys will execute the crucial encounter against the Ghanaian club based side in Abeokuta instead of Ilorin due to renovation of the stadium at Ilorin.

"Due to ongoing renovations at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, our CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round second leg match against Asante Kotoko of Ghana will now be played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta", the club states.

The first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium ended 3-4 in favour of Asante Kotoko, leaving the Nigerian side with an herculean task of turning the tide.

MKO Stadium, Stadium, Abeokuta will host the second leg on Sunday September 28, 2025.

Uche Dozie

The Nigeria Premier Football League has rescheduled some of the 2025/2026 league matches due to some of the teams' participation in continental tournaments, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The matches involving the two CAF Champions League - Remo Stars and Rivers United and the games involving Abia Warriors and Kwara United in the CAF Confederation Cup were rearranged.

Abia Warriors versus Remo Stars will now hold on Wednesday October 1, same as Rivers United versus Niger Tornadoes.

Former champions of the league, Kano Pillars will now lock horns with Kwara United on Wednesday, October 8.

Also, Plateau United and Bendel Insurance will now play home games on Saturdays instead of Sundays.

All other fixtures remain unchanged.

Uche Dozie

Nine-time champions Enyimba FC have moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League following their win against Bayelsa while there were first wins for Ikorodu City, Kano Pillars, Plateau United and Kun Khalifat FC after match day 4 on Sunday, Nigeriasiccernet.com reports.

The People's Elephant defeated Bayelsa United 0-2 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenegao to record their second win and first win away of the season.

Chidera Michael put the People's Elephant ahead on 76 minutes before Kalu Nweke doubled the lead on 85 minutes to ensure victory.

Ikorodu City beat new boys Barau FC 2-0 courtesy of a Joseph Arumala header on 59 minutes and Ayomide Cole's goal just 6 minutes to regulation time to win in Lagos.

Kano Pillars piped Rangers International 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Super Eagles winger, Ahmed Musa on 65 minutes as Sai Masu Gida side earned their first win of the season.

A brace from Ebuka Nwokorie on 34’ and 56 minutes and Onuorah Onyedika's 48 minutes goals cancelled Ebuka Okoro's goal on 47 minutes to give Kun Khalifat FC the win over El-Kanemi Warriors.

Garba Mohammed 37 minutes goal gave Nasarawa United a win over Wikki Tourist.

Rivers United sunk Shooting Stars Sports Club further below with a 1-0 win courtesy of 72 minutes strike by Ubong Friday.

Abia Warriors defeated Katsina United 1-0 after Somiari Alalibo scored a fine goal on 51 minutes which was enough to seal victory.

Warri Wolves and Kwara United settled for the share of the spoils with a goalless at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Uche Dozie

Kwara United have announced the signing of two players and the promotion of three players from the youth team of the club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Harmony Boys made known the transfer of Gidado Toyeeb and Aule Shirsha Johnmark ahead of the Nigeria Premier Football League 2025/2026 season.

Midfielder, Gidado Toyeeb joined from Ikorodu City while former U-15 player, Aule Shirsha Johnmark joined from Lobi Stars.

Three players from the N-Youth-19 squad, winners of the inaugural N-Youth-19 League were promoted to the senior team.

They are: Kolawole Sheriff – Goalkeeper, Ezenabo Somtonchukwu – Defender and Mahee Alege Muhammed – Midfielder.

Kwara United host Ikorodu City in their first game of the season at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl Stadium, Ilorin on Sunday.

Uche Dozie

Kwara United have announced Crypto gaming platform, BC Game as their shirt sponsor for the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

https://twitter.com/KwaraUnitedFC/status/1953097018592653788?t=XzoZ7RfUjKHhWLKSzWOHFg&s=19

The news came in on Wednesday morning through the club's social media page.

According to the club, the deal is a 1-year deal worth £35,000, that is, N77,000,000.

The jersey, which comes in yellow, the traditional colour of the Harmony Boys, green, and white, was produced by Owusportwear.

Uche Dozie

The Chairman of Kwara United, Mr. Kumbi Titiloye, has reassured the club’s supporters of its preparedness as they prepare for the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, NigeriaSoccernet.com gathered.

The Harmony Boys are scheduled to begin their campaign on home turf in Ilorin, where they will take on Ikorodu City when the league resumes on Friday, August 22.

Mr. Titiloye shared his optimism following the announcement of the fixtures, expressing confidence in the squad’s readiness to raise their performance.

“We are optimistic about this new season,” he said after the fixtures were unveiled.

“The technical crew and players are working tirelessly, and we believe we can build on the momentum from last season to achieve even greater success.”

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Nigeria Youth League Cup National Super 8 Championship kicked off on a losing note for Enyimba FC U-19 as they fell against Kwara United U-19 on Monday morning, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The young Harmony Boys defeated the young Elephants 2-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, following two quick first-half goals by Ayodeji Abayomi.

The first goal came within 60 seconds of play following a deflection to the Aba side net after a shot by Abayomi.

The second goal came before the 10th minute after a fine teamwork by Kwara United, which saw Abayomi in a good position to score his second of the day.

Despite taking a large chunk of possession, the young Elephants could not break through to score as the encounter ended 0-2 at full time.

Enyimba will play Plateau United in their next game, while Kwara United will face Kano Pillars in their next game on Tuesday.

Uche Dozie

The Borno army piped Sunshine 1-0 to scale through and condemned the Akure Gunners to the Nigeria National League in Maiduguri.

Barnabas Daniel scored for El-kanemi Warriors at the 27th minute against Sunshine Stars FC for the win.

Heartland FC defeated fellow relegation bound team Akwa United, but it was not enough to see the Nazi Millionaires out of the relegation waters at the end of the day.

Isaac Nassy scored in 22 minutes while Daniel Ekpo, on 76 minutes, doubled the lead for Heartland before Chisom Orji pulled one back for Akwa United on 83 minutes.

Mubarak Said's goal on 34 minutes was all Katsina United needed to get a crucial win against Kwara United and stay afloat, 2 points away from the drop zone

In Aba, Enyimba FC fell to their first home loss this season against Plateau United courtesy of a 40th-minute goal from Abdullahi Yusuf.

It was goals galore in Ibadan as Shooting Stars Sports Club thrashed former champions, Rangers International 5-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

A brace from Sodiq Ibrahim and goal each by Gbolagade Adelowo, Alex Aghahowa and Joshua Akpan made the only by the visitors through Bashir Usman a consolation.

It was a fight to finish in Lagos and Kaduna after a 5-goal thriller saw Ikorodu City pip Abia Warriors 3-2 while Niger Tornadoes edge Kano Pillars with the same scoreline.

Ayomide Cole on 37’ minutes, Tosin Oyedokun on 58 minutes and Musa Malik on 65 minutes gave Ikorodu City the three goals while Sunday Megwo's additional time goal in the first half and  a goal from Paul Samson on 75 minutes were the two goals from the visitors.

Rabiu Ali's early goal in the 4th minute for the visitors was cancelled by Godstime Joseph's goal from the spot three minutes later, bringing the first half to a 1-all scoreline.

Ismail Sarki gave the hosts the lead for the first time in the game on 66 minutes before Kufre Ebong doubled the lead on 84 minutes.

Naziru Auwali Ibrahim reduced the deficit on 87 minutes, but there was no comeback as the hosts saw off the game to take all points at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

Uche Dozie

Rangers International defender Effimi Nsi has expressed strong confidence ahead of their crucial 2025 President’s Federation Cup semi-final clash against Kwara United, set for Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, NigeriaSoccernet.com can report.

The in-form centre-back, who has been instrumental for the Enugu side since arriving at the start of the season, declared the 'Flying Antelopes' are fully prepared and focused on reaching the final.

“We are ready to face any club in the Federation Cup. We don’t fear any team but respect all,” said Nsi. “I assure our supporters we have what it takes to overcome Kwara United on Wednesday and reach the final. We are in Lagos for business, not a joke.”

Rangers, six-time winners of the Federation Cup, are riding high after a hard-fought 1-0 quarter-final victory over Plateau United in Abuja earlier this month. Under the guidance of coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, the team is looking to rekindle the spirit of the 'Asaba Miracle' of 2018, where they famously came back from 3-0 down to defeat Kano Pillars on penalties and lift the trophy.

With the stakes high and history beckoning, Rangers will be aiming to book a spot in the final and inch closer to ending their seven-year wait for another cup triumph.