The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 9 produced another round of breathtaking drama across various centers, with newly promoted sides making bold statements and established clubs feeling the heat.
At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Barau FC recorded one of their biggest victories since joining the top flight, defeating Kano Pillars 2–1 in front of stunned home fans.
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The match began with the hosts on the front foot, and veteran Ali Rabiu gave Kano Pillars a 21st-minute lead after capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Barau FC grew into the game and came close through Sunday Antony and Kabir Abdullahi, but their efforts sailed just wide.
After the restart, Barau found their rhythm. In the 50th minute, Yahya Ibrahim coolly converted from the penalty spot to level the score — his fourth goal of the season. With fifteen minutes left on the clock, the home crowd erupted again as Stanley Oganbor finished brilliantly from Yahya’s assist to seal a deserved comeback victory.
The result compounded Kano Pillars’ poor form this season, leaving both teams in the relegation zone, sitting 18th and 19th, respectively.
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Bayelsa United Fall Again in Yenagoa
Inside the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium, Bayelsa United suffered yet another setback, losing 2–1 at home to newly promoted Kun Khalifa FC of Owerri.
Despite an early flurry of attacks led by Shuaibu Garba and Jawad Mustapha, the hosts struggled to convert their chances. Kun Khalifa took the lead through Moses in the 53rd minute before Jawad Mustapha equalized from the penalty spot.
However, the visitors responded strongly, and Akano restored their advantage in the 76th minute — a goal that sealed all three points and handed Bayelsa their third home defeat of the campaign.
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Elkanemi Warriors Edge Wikki Tourists
In Maiduguri, Elkanemi Warriors held firm to claim a 2–1 victory over Wikki Tourists. Early strikes from Jonas E. and Bello S. gave the Warriors a comfortable lead before Abdullahi S. pulled one back in first-half stoppage time, but the hosts managed to secure all three points.
Warri Wolves Shock Enyimba in Aba
At the Enyimba International Stadium, Warri Wolves stunned hosts Enyimba International FC 2–1 in a thrilling encounter.
Ebhohon opened scoring for the visitors in the 16th minute before Edidiong E. equalized eleven minutes later. However, Tejiri Emonena’s 64th-minute strike ensured that Warri Wolves returned home with an impressive away win, sending shockwaves through Aba.
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Ikorodu City Humble League Leaders Nasarawa United
Inside the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Ikorodu City lived up to their “Onikan Landlord” reputation, defeating table-toppers Nasarawa United 2–0.
Chidera Oparaocha marked his first start with a goal in the 14th minute after a perfect cross from Waliu Ojetoye. Substitute Joseph Arumala sealed the victory with a powerful header in the 68th minute from Dada Oladimeji’s assist.
The victory moves Ikorodu City up to fifth on the NPFL log, while Nasarawa United remain top despite the loss.
Niger Tornadoes Crush Plateau United
It was a North Central derby to forget for Plateau United, who were thrashed 4–0 by Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.
Dalhatu A. was the star of the show, netting a sensational hat-trick (13’, 52’, 69’) before Shimagande T. completed the rout in stoppage time.
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Shooting Stars Rise to Second After Win Over Abia Warriors
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars put up a dominant display to defeat Abia Warriors 2–0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Ayobami Junior opened the scoring in the 20th minute, while Qamar Adegoke sealed the victory late in the second half. The result lifted Shooting Stars to second place on the table, with Abia Warriors dropping to third.
Kwara United Edge Katsina United
At the Ilorin Township Stadium, Ibrahim Y.’s late strike in the 84th minute secured a narrow 1–0 win for Kwara United over Katsina United, earning the home side their second consecutive victory.
Matchweek action across the NPFL was packed with surprises — from Barau FC’s statement win to Niger Tornadoes’ emphatic triumph. As the league table continues to tighten, every point is becoming increasingly valuable in the battle for survival and glory.
Image Credit: Ikorodu City FC Facebook Page
