NPFL Matchday 15: Close Games, Late Drama, and Big Changes at the Top
Matchday 15 of the Nigeria Premier Football League brought more tight results, late goals, and important movements at both the top and bottom of the table.
One of the biggest wins came from Enyimba, who beat Rangers 2–1 in the Oriental derby in Aba. The victory did not move Enyimba into the top half of the table, but it slowed Rangers’ push for the title and made the middle of the table even tighter.
At the top, Ikorodu City joined Nasarawa United on 27 points after both teams had very different results.
Ikorodu City earned a strong 1–0 win over Abia Warriors, while Nasarawa United lost 1–0 to an improving Warri Wolves. Ikorodu now sit in first place on goal difference, continuing their impressive rise this season.
Enyimba Hold Off Rangers in Aba
Enyimba claimed their fifth win of the season with goals from Chidera Michael in the 42nd minute and Stanley Dimgba in the 81st.
Rangers scored in stoppage time through Kenechukwu Agu, but it was too late to change the outcome.
The three points move Enyimba to 20 points—ninth place—but they remain close to the tight mid-table where only three points separate seven teams.
Ikorodu City Go Top After Beating Abia Warriors
Ikorodu City continued their strong form with a 1–0 victory over Abia Warriors. Chidera Oparaocha scored the winner in the 69th minute.
With this win, Ikorodu stay level with Nasarawa United on points and continue to show why they are one of the best defensive teams in the league.
Nasarawa United’s defeat in Warri came from an early fifth-minute goal by Othuke Egbo. Warri Wolves’ win moves them up to 18 points and gives them some breathing space in the lower half of the table.
Bayelsa United and Katsina United Share the Points
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United and Katsina United played out a 1–1 draw.
Ifeanyi Ogba scored a penalty for Bayelsa in the seventh minute, while Azeez Falolu equalised for Katsina in the 36th.
Katsina stay on 20 points in mid-table, while Bayelsa continue their fight to escape the bottom places.
Kun Khalifai Continue Their Rise as Plateau Slip Again
New boys Kun Khalifai FC secured a strong 2–0 win against Plateau United.
Lekan Gabriel scored just after the second half started, and Henry Ezeonye added a penalty in the 70th minute.
Plateau United’s mixed form keeps them outside the top challengers.
3SC Strengthen Their Top-Four Position
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars (3SC) beat El-Kanemi 1–0 thanks to a 29th-minute finish from Ismail Ayodele. The win helps 3SC stay firmly in the top-four push.
Full Matchday 15 Results
- 3SC 1–0 El-Kanemi
- Barau FC 3–2 Kwara United
- Enyimba 2–1 Rangers
- Bayelsa United 1–1 Katsina United
- Ikorodu City 1–0 Abia Warriors
- Kun Khalifai 2–0 Plateau United
- Warri Wolves 1–0 Nasarawa United
