NPFL: Matchday 27 tightens title race as frontrunners drop points

The race for the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title has tightened as Rivers United, Ikorodu City, and Enugu Rangers all dropped points, while Nasarawa United pushed their title charge in crucial Matchday 27 encounters on Sunday.

​Saturday action

​The Matchday 27 fixtures kicked off on Saturday with an embattled Remo Stars falling 2-1 to Wikki Tourists in Jos. Jonathan Mairiga’s early strike and a stoppage-time goal from Hassan Musa gave the home side a two-goal cushion before Samson Olasupo pulled one back for Remo in the 82nd minute. This leaves the defending champions with 27 points from 27 matches.

​Meanwhile, the other Saturday encounter witnessed a goalless draw between newly promoted Barau FC and their hosts, Warri Wolves, marking the first stalemate of the matchday.

​Sunday’s title race shift

​League leaders Ikorodu City were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Bayelsa United at the Onikan Stadium. Ettah Ikoi’s 35th-minute strike put the visitors ahead, but debutant Olanrewaju Molade secured a late equalizer via a direct free kick in the 63rd minute.

​In Port Harcourt, Rivers United had to come from behind to battle to a 1-1 draw against Enyimba. Abiodun Joseph gave the visitors the lead in the 28th minute, only for Aniekeme Okon to restore parity for the Rivers side before halftime. This marks their second consecutive draw of the week, following a 1-1 result against Kwara United on Wednesday.

​Nasarawa United were the only team among the top four to claim all three points, edging Bendel Insurance 1-0 at the Lafia City Stadium. John Joshua’s first-half goal proved decisive for the “Solid Miners”.

Enugu Rangers, meanwhile, could not break down Katsina United in a goalless stalemate at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

​Relegation & mid-table battles

​Relegation-threatened Kwara United suffered another defeat on the road as Abia Warriors edged them 1-0 to move into fifth place in the NPFL standings. Casmir Azubuike’s first-half goal was all the hosts needed to secure maximum points.

​Elsewhere, Kun Khalifat climbed off the bottom of the table for the first time since December 21, 2025, after a crucial 2-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Kano Pillars also thumped El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0 to continue their fight for survival.

Ageless Rabiu Ali opened the scoring for Kano Pillars in the 29th minute, new boy Luis Dadong scored in his third successive match to double the lead in the 43rd minute before Chiedozie Okorie sealed the massive win with the third in the 61st minute.

In Jos, Plateau United returned to winning ways in style, hammering Shooting Stars (3SC) 4-1. Although Qamar Adegoke put the visitors ahead in the 12th minute, the hosts responded with four unanswered goals. Tarabina Biweribo equalized in the 14th minute, followed by goals from Daniel Isaiah, Vincent Temitope (from the spot), and Jonathan Okechukwu.

​Table structure & upcoming fixtures

​With 11 games remaining, the top five remain tightly bunched. Ikorodu City sits marginally ahead on 45 points, but their dropped points allowed rivals to close in. Enugu Rangers occupy second place with 44 points, leading Nasarawa United on goal difference. Rivers United remain fourth with 43 points and four games in hand.

Next fixtures for top five

Rivers United have a rescheduled matchday 25 game against Barau to play midweek before travelling to face Bayelsa United in matchday 28.

Ikorodu City will visit Bendel Insurance, while second-place Enugu Rangers host third-place Nasarawa United. Abia Warriors, aiming to revive their continental ambitions, travel to face El Kanemi Warriors in the North.

Result of matchday 27

Warri Wolves 0 – 0 Barau FC

Wikki Tourists 2 – 1 Remo Stars

Ikorodu City 1 – 1 Bayelsa United

Plateau United 4 – 1 Shooting Stars (3SC)

Kano Pillars 3 – 0 El-Kanemi Warriors

Kun Khalifat FC 2 – 0 Niger Tornadoes

Nasarawa United 1 – 0 Bendel Insurance

Abia Warriors 1 – 0 Kwara United

Rivers United 1 – 1 Enyimba FC

Katsina United 0 – 0 Enugu Rangers International

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