Nigerian Football
Now push comes to shove as the NPFL enters home stretch –
BY HARRY IWUALA
All things being equal, save for outstanding matches of Rivers United, there is barely 10 match days to go before this season expires.
A section of followers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) appear overly excited by results of away teams and are given to adjudging the league to have improved when teams win on the road. On the other hand, they hit hard at organisers when all home teams win their games.
To some analysts, wins away from home are indicative of fair and firm officiating, which they conclude is a benchmark for a developed league. And to these, total home wins on a matchday suggests that Referees have been compromised or intimidated.
None of the above scenarios are perfect and absolute as there are exceptions to all. Firstly, it has been argued by some that the major reason for home and away routines of the league is to enable all clubs that advantage of their home ground. It is for this reason that mostly exceptionally strong squads grind out results no matter where they play.
In our unique environment where several factors come to play, strong squads find themselves struggling at away games after travelling long distances on bad roads that leave them knackered.
The human error factor on the part of Referees also contributes to the blips in expectations even as it is not out of place to have manipulated officiating occasioned by home supporters shenanigans.
The stats since the resumption of the second stanza defies popular projections of what usually obtains at this time of the season. Usually, the last lap of the season sees lots of desperate acts by teams to win by all means to either place in the continental ticket bracket or escape relegation.
The most astonishing result has been those of Bayelsa United, Niger Tornadoes, Akwa United and Doma United. So far, there has been 11 away wins from Matchday 20 to 28 with Heartland, Akwa United, Doma United and Niger Tornadoes featuring in at least two defeats at home.
On the other hand, Akwa United and Niger Tornadoes have also popped up on two away wins respectively in the period under review. Plateau United which recorded the biggest away win of 5-1 against Heartland on Matchday 22 would go on to lose at home 1-2 to Akwa United on Matchday 27.
At the bottom of the log, Heartland has been the donor team of the season both in number of defeats at home and goals conceded.
Another interesting perspective to the stats from Matchday 20-28 I’d the number of drawn games which has reduced the home supremacy syndrome. There has been 20 drawn games in 82 fixtures covering Matchday 20-28. This means that home teams have not been able to win in 31 games in nine matchdays.
Chairman of the NPFL, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye described the development as evidence that “the NPFL is increasingly evolving into a very competitive league and that the zero tolerance for intimidation of Match officials is yielding expected results.
Elegbeleye commended Referees for their courage in interpreting the rules to the book, remarking that, “While we have called out those that performed below par, it is fair to also commend the rest who have been at their best.
“I am particularly proud of the officials who took charge of Heartland vs Plateau United on Matchday 22 and those in charge of Bendel Insurance vs Niger Tornadoes in Wednesday’s Matchday 28. They showed exceptional courage in the face of home supporters pressure”, declared the NPFL Chairman.
Bamidele Johnson, a follower of Shooting Stars for decades, expressed delight at the competitive direction of the league. Johnson, who played a significant role in the organisation of the hugely acclaimed Naija Super 8 tournament that drew a large crown in Lagos, would go on to praise the NPFL players for defying vociferous home crowds to post good results.
“It is a remarkable feat to travel and win amidst hostile home crowd and I am delighted that the NPFL is now having a good share of such results”, Johnson told NPFL Media.
On a post in his Facebook page, Bimbo Adeola, a core Rangers International supporter celebrated the Enugu side’s 9 games unbeaten run including five on the road. Rangers have won away at Doma United, Niger Tornadoes and Heartland with two draws, one each at home and away.
In a deplay of rare confidence in the organisation of the NPFL, Adeola, a Sports Journalist and Media Entrepreneur wrote, “We are Rangers, we win everywhere we go”.
Away Wins & Draws in 2nd Round
Matchday 20
- Heartland 1-1 Kano Pillars
- Sunshine Stars 1-1 Kwara United
- Abia Warriors 0-0 Remo Stars
Matchday 21
- Doma United 0-1 Rangers
- Kwara United 1-1 Katsina United
- Bendel Insurance 0-0 Enyimba
- Plateau United 0-0 3SC
- Akwa United 0-1 Bayelsa United
Matchday 22
- Heartland 1-5 Plateau United
Matchday 23
- Heartland 1-1 Sunshine Stars
- Niger Tornadoes 0-2 Rangers
- Doma United 0-0 Sporting Lagos
- Kano Pillars 0-1 Abia Warriors
- Gombe United 1-1 3SC
Matchday 24
- Katsina United 1-1 Heartland
- Bayelsa United 0-1 Niger Tornadoes
- Rivers United 1-1 Kano Pillars
- Rangers 0-0 Kwara United
- Abia Warriors 1-1 Lobi Stars
Matchday 25
- Doma United 0-1 3SC
- Kano Pillars 1-1 Rangers
Matchday 26
- Abia Warriors 0-0 Sunshine Stars
- Gombe United 1-1 Akwa United
Matchday 27
- Lobi Stars 1-1 Bayelsa United
- Plateau United 1-2 Akwa United
- Heartland 1-2 Rangers
- Doma United 1-1 Gombe United
Matchday 28
- Bendel Insurance 1-3 Niger Tornadoes
- Sporting Lagos 1-1 Lobi Stars
- Akwa United 0-1 Doma United
- Gombe United 0-0 Remo Stars
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- WAFCON4 days ago
BREAKING: CAF Postpones WAFCON 2026
- OBITUARY5 days ago
Nigerian Sports Journalism Mourns Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu
- MLS1 week ago
Trump to Host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at the White House
- World Cup5 days ago
‘I really don’t care’ if Iran plays in World Cup, Trump tells Politico
- World Cup4 days ago
Iraq’s World Cup Playoff in Doubt as War Disrupts Travel and Visa Processing
- FA Cup2 days ago
Eze thunderbolt guides Arsenal past Mansfield into FA Cup quarter-finals
- MLS3 days ago
Trump celebrates Messi
- World Cup3 days ago
World Cup 2026: U-20 World Cup Winner Ouahbi Takes Charge of Morocco’s Atlas Lions