The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 5 served up a blend of drama, surprise results, and postponed fixtures due to continental engagements. Here are the five major talking points from the weekend’s action.
Four Matches Postponed for CAF Duties
The involvement of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions led to the postponement of four NPFL fixtures. Rivers United, Remo Stars, Kwara United, and Abia Warriors all had their league games rescheduled.
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On the continent, results were mixed. Rivers United battled to a goalless draw away to Aigles du Congo, while Remo Stars impressed with a 4-0 thrashing of US Zilimadjou in the CAF Champions League preliminary round. Kwara United fought hard but fell 4-3 to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, while Abia Warriors were held 1-1 at home by Djoliba of Mali.
Only Remo Stars look firmly in control of their tie. The other sides will need to step up in their return legs to keep Nigeria’s continental coefficient strong.
Bayelsa United Slip, Nasarawa United Shine
Nasarawa United pulled off one of the standout results of the round, defeating Bayelsa United 2-1 in Yenagoa. Mustapha Jawad gave Bayelsa the lead in the 36th minute, but Ekeson Okorie (45’) and Collins Onovuke (88’) turned the game around for the visitors.
Bayelsa, who started the season brightly with two straight wins, have now lost two of their last three home games—a worrying trend that could see them dragged into an early relegation battle if not corrected.
Enyimba Stay Unbeaten but Look Vulnerable
Enyimba maintained their unbeaten run with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Bendel Insurance in Aba. Despite being troubled by Insurance’s attacking play, the People’s Elephant showed resilience to secure maximum points and remain top of the table.
While their nine-time champion pedigree is beginning to show, Enyimba must add ruthlessness and consistency if they truly aim to reclaim the league crown.
Shooting Stars Lift Off, Ikorodu City Falter
Shooting Stars (3SC) finally recorded their first win of the season, edging Kun Khalifat FC 2-1 in Ibadan. The victory lifted them out of the relegation zone to 13th place, easing pressure on their new technical crew and management.
Meanwhile, Ikorodu City suffered their first defeat of the season, going down 4-2 to Niger Tornadoes in Minna. Tornadoes’ strong start has them firmly among the early pacesetters.
Katsina United Break into the Top Two
Matchday 5 wrapped up on Monday as Katsina United defeated Wikki Tourists 1-0 to climb into second place. The result, combined with wins for Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United, reshaped the top four: Enyimba (11 points) lead the pack, followed by Katsina United (10 points), Niger Tornadoes (9 points), and Nasarawa United (9 points).
The early standings underline the competitiveness of this season’s campaign. With just five rounds played, the NPFL already promises unpredictability, with big clubs under pressure and emerging teams punching above their weight.
Matchday 5 Results
Bayelsa United 1-2 Nasarawa United
Enyimba 3-2 Bendel Insurance
Shooting Stars 2-1 Kun Khalifat FC
Niger Tornadoes 4-2 Ikorodu City
Elkanemi Warriors 1-0 Warri Wolves
Katsina United 1-0 Wikki Tourists
 Matchday 5 served up a blend of drama, surprise results, and postponed fixtures due){kind=link}