Matchday 8 of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced thrilling encounters, dramatic moments, and controversy across various centres. Nasarawa United extended their fine form, Rivers United’s fixture was affected by rain, while violent scenes in Kano overshadowed an otherwise exciting weekend of football.
Nasarawa United Extend Unbeaten Run
Nasarawa United continued their impressive start to the campaign with a 2–1 victory over Rangers International in Lafia. Goals from Anas Yusuf (penalty) and John Joshua sealed the win, keeping the Solid Miners top of the NPFL standings and extending their unbeaten streak to five matches.
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Kun Khalifat Stun Enyimba, Remo Stars Slip Again
Kun Khalifat FC shocked record champions Enyimba 1–0 in Owerri to end the People’s Elephant’s unbeaten run. Ebuka Nwokorie’s curling free kick in the 69th minute proved decisive after Henry Ndedi’s first-half red card left Enyimba a man short.
Elsewhere, Remo Stars suffered another setback, losing 3–1 away to Katsina United, as their struggles on the road continued.
Chaos in Kano as Pillars Fans Go Gaga
The game between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars (3SC) ended in chaos after a 1–1 draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Adams Mustapha’s late equaliser for 3SC sparked fan unrest, with supporters invading the pitch and confronting match officials over alleged poor officiating.
Following investigations, the NPFL has imposed a ₦9.5 million fine on Kano Pillars, alongside a three-point and three-goal deduction from their accrued points.
Bayelsa United Bounce Back, Rivers Falter
Bayelsa United returned to winning ways with a narrow 2–1 victory over Rivers United in their rescheduled fixture. Rivers, who had shown early-season promise, struggled to find rhythm, while Remo Stars’ defeat in Katsina compounded a disappointing weekend for the league’s early contenders.
Shooting Stars Shine, Plateau and Abia Warriors Impress
Shooting Stars continued their steady form, picking up a valuable away point in Kano. Plateau United and Abia Warriors both recorded convincing home wins — 2–0 victories over Barau FC and El-Kanemi Warriors respectively — keeping the pressure tight at the top of the table.
Matchday 8 Results at a Glance
Abia Warriors 2–0 El-Kanemi Warriors Azubuike (24’, 28’)
Warri Wolves 1–1 Niger Tornadoes Oladejo (18’) – Shemagande (28’)
Ikorodu City 1–0 Bendel Insurance Temitope (10’)
Nasarawa United 2–1 Rangers Int’l Yusuf (32’ PEN), Joshua (62’) – Ebirim (19’)
Plateau United 2–0 Barau FC Enewarikpemi (51’), Temitope (56’)
Wikki Tourists 1–1 Kwara United Mairiga (23’) – Gidado (44’)
Kano Pillars 1–1 Shooting Stars (3SC) Mustapha (90+3’)
Katsina United 3–1 Remo Stars Akanni (31’) , Collins (61’ PEN), Garba (90+3’) – Ibrahim (39’)
Kun Khalifat 1-0 Enyimba – Ebuka Nwokorie ( 69′)
Rivers United 1–2 Bayelsa United
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