NPFL Week 36: Match-by-Match Roundup
As the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) approaches a thrilling conclusion, Week 36 delivered high drama, late goals, and serious implications for teams chasing continental tickets and those battling to escape the drop. Here’s how the action unfolded:
Niger Tornadoes 1-1 Abia Warriors: Last-Gasp Equalizer Keeps Abia Warriors in the Race
In Kaduna, Abia Warriors grabbed a precious point in dramatic fashion against Niger Tornadoes. M. Hussaini gave the home side the lead in the 50th minute, but Emmanuel Iwu stepped up deep into stoppage time to slot home the equalizer in the 90+3rd minute. The draw takes Abia Warriors to 57 points, solidifying third place—for now.
Rivers United 1-0 Enugu Rangers: CAF Champions League Hope Alive
With the league title out of reach, Rivers United focused on securing a CAF Champions League berth. S. Obi struck in first-half stoppage time, and it proved to be the only goal in a cagey affair. The 3 points take them to 61, and they now need just one more win from their final two matches to confirm their CAF Champions League spot.
Shooting Stars 1-0 Sunshine Stars: Relegation Fears Deepen for Sunshine
Sunshine Stars’ survival hopes suffered a blow in Ibadan. In a tense encounter, I. Utin held his nerve from the penalty spot in the 88th minute to hand the Oluyole Warriors all three points, pushing Sunshine Stars closer to the danger zone.
El Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Remo Stars: Champions Humbled in Maiduguri
Champions Remo Stars may have already sealed the league title, but El Kanemi Warriors weren’t in a celebratory mood. The Maiduguri side handed them a 2-0 defeat, a reminder that no game is a walkover in the NPFL—even for titleholders.
Lobi Stars 1-2 Nasarawa United: Fighting Spirit from Nasarawa
Already relegated, Lobi Stars lacked the motivation to fight off Nasarawa United, who seized the opportunity with goals from S. Kumater and A. Yusuf after J. Kunduahima’s early opener. Nasarawa now breathes a bit easier.
Bendel Insurance 1-0 Akwa United: Trouble Deepens for Uyo Side
A 55th-minute goal by M. Oritseweyinmi was all Bendel Insurance needed to push Akwa United further into relegation trouble. The Benin-based team showed composure, while Akwa’s Premier League status next season remains in serious doubt.
Enyimba 2-0 Kwara United: Brown Ideye Turns Back Time
Veteran striker Brown Ideye rolled back the years with a classy brace in the 12th and 45th minutes to seal a comfortable win for Enyimba over Kwara United. The result keeps Enyimba firmly in the conversation for continental football.
Heartland Owerri 2-0 Plateau United: The Survival Push is On
Heartland Owerri are showing signs of life in the relegation battle. A brace from S. Lawal in the 17th and 75th minutes kept their dreams alive as they brushed aside Plateau United in a dominant performance.
Katsina United 1-0 Kano Pillars: Derby Bragging Rights Secured
In a largely ceremonial clash between mid-table sides, Katsina United edged out regional rivals Kano Pillars thanks to Nura’s 42nd-minute goal. The win all but assures Katsina’s top-flight status for another season.
Ikorodu City 3-2 Bayelsa United: Five-Goal Thriller Keeps Confederation Hopes Alive
In one of the most entertaining matches of the week, Ikorodu City edged Bayelsa United in a 3-2 thriller at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Goals from N. Okechukwu, T. Oyedokun (with one OG and one for himself), and S. Adelani ensured the Oga Boys stayed in contention for the CAF Confederation Cup slot.
What’s Next?
With only two rounds remaining, the battle lines are drawn. Who clinches the final continental tickets? Who beats the drop? Matchday 37 promises even more drama.
