Nasarawa United F.C. delivered a dominant display to defeat Rivers United F.C. 4–1 in a rescheduled NPFL Matchday 31 clash at Lafia City Stadium, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The hosts made a flying start, with Ngei Oluka-Efor opening the scoring in the third minute before Abubakar Abdullahi doubled the lead just moments later. Chimezie Victor added a third in the 15th minute to cap a blistering opening spell.

Rivers United responded through Taiwo Abdulrafiu, who converted a free-kick in the 24th minute, but Jofrank Istifanus sealed the win with a composed finish in the second half.

The victory, Nasarawa United’s biggest of the season, lifts them to third place on the NPFL table with 50 points, closing the gap on both Rivers United and leaders Enugu Rangers.

Following the win, Governor Abdullahi Sule rewarded the team with ?1 million per goal, totaling ?4 million, while additional financial support had earlier been provided to boost morale.

Head coach Mangut Mbwas praised his side’s clinical performance, stating the team could have scored more, as players expressed confidence ahead of the season’s final stretch.

Nasarawa United technical adviser Mbwas Mangut has praised his players following their hard-earned 2–1 victory over Abia Warriors at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday, a result that boosted the Solid Miners’ push at the top end of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Former Enyimba striker Chukwuemeka Obioma gave Abia Warriors the lead two minutes before halftime, putting the hosts in control heading into the break. However, Nasarawa United responded strongly in the second half, with substitute Habibu Alakija drawing the visitors level in the 47th minute.

Jofrank Istifanus then completed the turnaround just eight minutes later, capitalising on a goalkeeping error to score the winning goal in the 55th minute and secure all three points for the visitors.

Speaking after the match, Mangut commended his players for their resilience and determination, stressing the importance of the victory for the team’s ambitions.

“It’s quite a great win for us. We knew very well that we needed to get ourselves together to do what we did today,” Mangut told the club’s media.

“They were leading 1-0 heading into the break, but we told ourselves that a loss today would further drag us down a dangerous position, which would not be good for our ambitions, and I am glad it paid off, because we took advantage of the goalkeeping error.”

Mangut also reserved special praise for goalkeeper Darlintin Ovunda, highlighting his crucial contribution to the result.

“All the players had a great game today, including the goalkeeper, Darlintin Ovunda, who was quite exceptional as he has always been. I must give him credit for the massive saves he made today, which proved decisive in our win,” he added.

The victory lifted Nasarawa United to second position on the league table. The Solid Miners will now turn their attention to a tough Matchday 23 clash against Enyimba in Aba on Wednesday.

Rivers United closed out the NPFL season on a high, finishing the year top of the league table after a narrow home victory over Rangers International, while Kano Pillars boosted their survival hopes with a commanding win that lifted them out of the relegation zone in their match day 19 fixtures, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Boluwaji Sholumade’s second-half strike proved decisive as Rivers United edged Rangers 1–0. The forward found the breakthrough in the 53rd minute, a result that ensured Rivers United maintained their grip on first place heading into the new year.

Kano Pillars delivered one of the standout performances of the day, sweeping aside Nasarawa United 3–0. Mustapha Umar opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before second-half goals from Chiedozie Okorie (68’) and Jibrin Mustapha (72’) sealed a comprehensive victory that saw Pillars climb out of the relegation places.

In Ozoro, Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists played out an entertaining 2–2 draw. Imamu Bala put Wikki ahead in the 37th minute before Ezekiel Oroh equalised early in the second half. Wolves briefly turned the game around through Seth Mayi on 56 minutes, but Bala struck again in the 76th minute to earn Wikki a share of the points.

Niger Tornadoes claimed a 2–0 victory over Barau FC, with Abdulaziz Dalhatu opening the scoring in the 35th minute. The points were sealed deep into stoppage time when Rickson Mendos added a second to cap a solid home display.

Katsina United earned a 1–0 away win at Kun Khalifat thanks to Richard Christopher’s 39th-minute strike.

El-Kanemi Warriors snatched a narrow 1–0 victory at Bayelsa United, with Sadiq Mohammed scoring just before halftime.

Ikorodu City beat reigning champions, Remo Stars 1–0 as Odinaka Alfred unleashed a spectacular long-range effort in the 40th minute, firing past goalkeeper Alladoum.

Uche Dozie

Nasarawa United and Barau FC played out a goalless draw in the final fixture of NPFL Matchday 18 on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Solid Miners missed a golden opportunity to go top of the league standings after leaders Rivers United were held to a 1–1 draw by Katsina United on Monday.

Despite a highly competitive encounter at the Lafia City Stadium, both sides were let down by poor decision-making in front of goal, resulting in a stalemate between the two Northern outfits.

The result leaves Nasarawa United second on the table with 32 points, two points behind Rivers United, while Barau FC remains in 16th position with 21 points, just one point clear of the relegation zone.

Uche Dozie

Several fixtures across the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced contrasting outcomes on Matchday 26, with emphatic wins, narrow victories and goalless stalemates recorded nationwide, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

At the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Plateau United and Nasarawa United shared the spoils in a 0–0 draw, as both sides failed to convert limited chances in a cagey North Central derby.

In Bauchi, Shooting Stars (3SC) secured a vital 1–0 away victory over Barau FC, thanks to an early strike from Sodiq Ibrahim in the 9th minute, a goal that proved decisive as the Oluyole Warriors held on defensively.

Abia Warriors also picked up maximum points on the road, edging Kun Khalifat FC 1–0, with Suraju Lawal’s 81st-minute goal settling the contest in a tightly fought encounter.

At the Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro, Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars cancelled each other out in a 0–0 draw, with both goalkeepers enjoying relatively quiet outings in a match short on clear-cut chances.

The standout performance of the day came in Minna, where Niger Tornadoes thrashed El-Kanemi Warriors 3–0. Azeez Akintunde opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 5th minute, before Rickson Mendos struck twice late on, in the 79th and 83rd minutes, to seal a dominant victory.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United came from behind to defeat Remo Stars 2–1, overturning an early goal by Victor Mbaoma (14’) with second-half strikes from Fabby Clark (59’) and Emo James (64’).

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

Nasarawa United consolidated their position at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table with a commanding victory over El-Kanemi Warriors, while Kun Khalifat FC secured an important draw against Warri Wolves in their Matchday 14 fixtures, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Solid Miners produced a dominant performance at the Lafia City Stadium, defeating El-Kanemi Warriors 3–0 to extend their lead at the summit. Anas Yusuf opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 38th minute and doubled the advantage just a minute into the second half to complete his brace. Garba Mohammed added a third in the 48th minute, sealing a comfortable win for the hosts.

In Asaba, Adebambo Ademola gave Warri Wolves an early lead with a 7th-minute strike, but Kun Khalifat’s Lekan Gabriel equalised in the 38th minute to ensure both sides shared the spoils at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

Elsewhere, Remo Stars recorded a second consecutive victory with a 2–0 win over Barau FC at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena. Ahmed Akinyele struck after 15 minutes, while Victor Mbaoma doubled the tally in the 32nd minute.

Rangers International secured a narrow 1–0 win against Niger Tornadoes at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, courtesy of a 70th-minute effort from Kenechukwu Agu.

The encounters between Kwara United and Shooting Stars Sports Club, as well as Abia Warriors and Bendel Insurance, ended goalless.

Uche Dozie

Nasarawa United returned to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table following their win against reigning champions Remo Stars, while Rivers United secured a draw against Bendel Insurance in the NPFL rescheduled match day 9 fixtures, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Nasarawa United came from behind to beat Remo Stars 2-1 at the Lafia City Stadium, moving a point clear of Abia Warriors at the top of the table, while Remo Stars remain at the bottom of the table in 17th position.

Michael Ibe had put the champions ahead in the 5th minute, but John Joshua leveled the score for the Solid Miners in the 32nd minute, as a dominant first half for the hosts ended 1-1.

JoFrank Isitifanus scored for the home side, turning things around in the 79th minute; the goal proved to be the winner.

In Benin, Bendel Insurance and Rivers United played out a goalless draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium after 90 minutes.

The result pushed Rivers United to sixth place on the table, five points off the top, while Bendel Insurance remains 19th.

Uche Dozie

The Nigeria Premier Football League match day 11 weekend ended with another club taking top spot following Abia Warriors' win over Niger Tornadoes, as multiple champions, Enyimba, returned to winning ways, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Umuahia Warriors put up an impressive performance to take all points at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna, against a Niger Tornadoes side that had not lost in four matches.

The visitors put one leg forward at 33 minutes despite the countless pressures mounted by the host via a header by Sunday Megwo.

Unfortunately, an own goal from Sunday Akinmoladun doubled Abia Warriors' lead at the stroke of half-time, leaving the Solid Miners caught napping.

Abdulrasheed Dabai got one back off Clinton Jephta's assist on 54 minutes, but it was handy to change the result of the game.

In Aba, Enyimba FC returned to winning ways following a three-match losing streak.

The People's Elephant stood tall against Kano Pillars 2-0 at the Enyimba Stadium on Sunday, courtesy of Bassey John and Eddidiong Ezekiel.

Ikorodu City continued their fine run, winning Kun Khalifat 2-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, a win that took them to third on the log.

Rivers United earned a slim win over Nasarawa United after a 45-minute goal by Timothy Zachariah gave the Pride of Rivers the maximum points.

Uche Dozie

Nasarawa United players have been rewarded with cash gifts following their impressive 1–0 victory over Bendel Insurance in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 7 encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Saturday, reports NigeriaSoccernet.com.

The hard-fought win, which extended the Solid Miners’ unbeaten run to six matches, was celebrated by the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, who fulfilled his promise of ?500,000 to the team for their outstanding performance.

In addition, the club chairman and a dedicated supporter also offered separate financial rewards to the players, recognizing their determination and consistency this season.

The result marked Nasarawa United’s fifth win of the 2025/26 campaign, reaffirming their status as one of the league’s most in-form sides as they continue to push for top position in the NPFL standings.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

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

Nasarawa United have moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier League log following their win over Katsina United, while Enyimba FC got a draw in Lagos, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Nasarawa United earned a 2-0 win over Katsina United at Lafia City Stadium to leapfrog Enyimba FC by a point.

Anas Yusuf, after 45 minutes, played while Abubakar Abdullahi doubled the lead for Nasarawa on 73 minutes.

Enyimba FC continued their fine run of form after getting a 1-1 draw against Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

After an own goal by the hosts, the Tech Boys restored parity after Joseph Arumala with a first-time left-footed finish.

Barau FC celebrated their first-ever victory in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after a 1-3 win over Kun Khalifat at Enyimba International Stadium, Aba

Ebuka Nwokorie opened the score for the Owerri-based side, but Yahaya Ibrahim leveled matters a minute later.

Hillary Ekawu put the Maliya Boys ahead from Bismark’s cross after 65th minutes, before he doubled the lead in the 79th minute.

Uche Dozie

Enyimba FC retained their position of top spot after match day five with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Bendel Insurance, while Nasarawa United earned a win at Bayelsa United on Sunday, Nigerissoccernet.com reports.

The People's Elephant came from behind to edge the Prosperity Boys in a pulsating encounter at the Enyimba Stadium.

Chinedu Nwosu opened the score for the visitors on 3 minutes before Abiodun Joseph restored parity for Enyimba on 18 minutes to leave the first half ending in a 1-all scoreline.

In the second half, the visitors went into the lead again at the hour mark through Wisdom Udom Nweke, but parity was restored once again for the host by Kalu Nweke from the spot size minutes later.

Chidera Michael put the Aba giants into the lead for the first time in the encounter on 70 minutes, and the goal proved the winner at the end of the final whistle.

Travellers, Nasarawa United came from behind to beat Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

Mustapha Jawad put the host in front at 36 minutes. Still, Former Bayelsa United man Ekeson Okorie levelled the score for the away side on 45 minutes, before Collins Onovuke scored the winner on 88 minutes.

Other results

Niger Tornadoes 4-2 Ikorodu City

3SC 2-1 Kun Khalifat

El-Kanemi 1-0 Wolves

Kastina United 1-0 Wikki Toursist

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

Nasarawa United forward, Yusuf Anas is aiming at scoring 20 goals in the Nigeria Premier Football League 2025/2026 season after his top scorer award, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The goal poacher targets two goals more from his 18 goals scored in the 2024/2025 season while speaking at an NPFL award ceremony organized for the league's top scorer and coach of the season.

Yusuf expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to aim higher.

“I’m happy to be recognised by the NPFL. This award motivates me to push harder, and I hope to surpass my goal-scoring record from last season and hopefully score more than 20 goals ,” he said.

The NPFL also honoured Daniel Ogunmodede, the Coach of Remo Stars, champions of the 2024/25 NPFL season.

Ogunmodede guided his side to a historic first NPFL title when Remo Stars clinched the championship with 71 points, becoming the first privately-owned club from the South-West since the year 2000 to lift the league trophy.

Uche Dozie

Niger Tornadoes head coach Majin Mohammed has urged his players to rise to the occasion as they take on Nasarawa United (the Solid Miners) in their rescheduled NPFL Match Day 1 fixture at the Rashidi Yekini Stadium, Ilorin, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Although the Ikon Allah Boys will be playing away from home, Mohammed expressed confidence that his side is prepared for the challenge.

“We are not happy that this game will be played outside our home ground, which usually motivates the players. But we are used to this situation, so it’s nothing new. We’ll approach it like any other game,” he said.

The coach recalled how Tornadoes began last season’s campaign at the same venue with a 2-1 win in Ilorin, noting that the setting is not unfamiliar to his squad.

Last season, the reverse fixture between both sides ended goalless at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna. Mohammed also has the edge in previous tactical battles with Mbwas Mangut, having secured four points when Tornadoes faced his Plateau United side last term.

The two tacticians now meet again in what promises to be a fierce North Central Derby on neutral ground.

This followed the mutual departure of coach Salisu Yusuf, who left the Lafia-based side to join a Benin Republic team.

A release from the media team of the Solid Miners, Ayuba signed a two-year deal to bolster the performance of the team as the Nigeria Premier Football League season begins this August.

Mbwas, 47, brings vast coaching experience from stints with Heartland, Wikki Tourists, Enugu Rangers, and most recently, Plateau United, whom he led to a 7th-place finish. A CAF B license holder, Mbwas is also a decorated former player, having featured for clubs across Nigeria, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Mbwas's first test comes on August 24 when Nasarawa United face Niger Tornadoes in their 2025/26 league opener.

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

Abia Warriors continue their push for a top-three finish after a draw away from home, while El Kanemi Warriors and Heartland FC did their relegation fight a whole lot of good with a win, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Umuahi Warriors drew 1-all with Niger Tornadoes at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna after Mohammed Hussaini's 50th minutes goal was canceled by Emmanuel Iwu's 90+ 3 minutes own goal.

The win keeps the Warriors in third with a point better than Ikorodu City and two points better than Enyimba, who are fourth on the log.

Ikorodu City came from behind to beat Bayelsa United 3-2 in Lagos, while Enyimba beat Kwara United 2-0 courtesy of a brace from Brown Ideye.

Heartland FC defeated Plateau United 2-0 to stay afloat of the relegation waters after a brace by Suraju Lawal in the 17th and 75th minutes.

The win puts Heartland FC in 16 place with a better goal difference than Niger Tornadoes that are 17th position.

El Kanemi Warriors also defeated league champions, Remo Stars, 2-0 in Maiduguri to stay in 15th.

Relegated, Lobi Stars continue their winless streak after losing a goal lead before losing 1-2 to Nasarawa United.

Japhet Kundushima opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before Shina Kumater equalised on 48 minutes and Anas Yusuf won on 59 minutes.

Uche Dozie

After beating Katsina United and Enyimba FC, the De Rice Boys have defeated the Solid Miners 5-4 on penalties after 1-1 at full time at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, to reach the semi-final of the competition.

The decisive moment came when Ezema converted a penalty kick in the 70th minute, canceling out the opponent's earlier goal.

They play another NPFL side, Ikorodu City, in the semi-final.

Uche Dozie