Ikorodu City FC are the new leaders of the Nigeria Premier Football League after a gripping Matchday 25 that delivered statement wins, missed opportunities, off-field controversy and a tightened title race.
READ ALSO: NPFL: Collins Uche Hat-Trick Overshadowed by Crowd Violence in Bauchi Six-Goal Thriller
The Oga Boys made the most of their moment on Sunday in Lagos, brushing aside Niger Tornadoes 2–0 to leapfrog their rivals to the top of the standings.
Joseph Arumala was the standout performer, scoring both goals in a commanding display that underlined Ikorodu City’s growing title credentials.
Saturday’s action set the tone for an unpredictable weekend as Bendel Insurance stunned nine-time champions Enyimba 2–0.
The victory not only dented Enyimba’s push up the table but also strengthened Bendel Insurance’s place among the early continental contenders.
In Aba, Abia Warriors and Rangers International shared the spoils in a tense goalless draw.
The hosts thought they had snatched a dramatic late winner, but celebrations were cut short after the effort was ruled out for offside, leaving both sides frustrated.
At the foot of the table, Kun Khalifat recorded a rare bright moment with a 2–0 win over Shooting Stars, though the victory was not enough to lift them off bottom place.
Kano Pillars compounded Remo Stars’ struggles with a narrow 1–0 win, a result that leaves Remo Stars stuck in 19th place despite Pillars later being docked three points for an infraction.
Plateau United left it late to overcome Kwara United 1–0, with Sadiq Yusuf’s 88th-minute strike proving decisive. In Lafia,
Nasarawa United and Bayelsa United played out a hard-fought 1–1 draw.
The biggest controversy of the weekend came in Katsina, where the match between Katsina United and Wikki Tourists was interrupted and abandoned amid crowd unrest, with the score tied at 3–3.
Elsewhere, Warri Wolves and El-Kanemi Warriors cancelled each other out in a dour 0–0 draw.
Rivers United’s fixture against Barau FC was postponed as the former champions were engaged in CAF Champions League duties in Uyo.
At the top, Ikorodu City, Rivers United and Nasarawa United are locked on 41 points, separated only by goal difference, setting the stage for a thrilling run-in.
NPFL Matchday 25 – Results at a Glance
Bendel Insurance 2–0 Enyimba
Kano Pillars 1–0 Remo Stars
Abia Warriors 0–0 Rangers International
Plateau United 1–0 Kwara United
Ikorodu City 2–0 Niger Tornadoes
Wikki Tourists 3–3 Katsina United – Match interrupted
Warri Wolves 0–0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Kun Khalifat FC 2–0 Shooting Stars SC
Nasarawa United 1–1 Bayelsa United
.
