A dramatic shift unfolded at the top of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) table this weekend, as Ikorodu City seized the number one position following a decisive victory. Their rise was cemented by a surprise defeat for former leaders Remo Stars, headlining a matchday filled with significant results, including a crucial win for Bendel Insurance against perennial giants Enyimba.
The most striking result came from Kano, where Remo Stars’ title ambitions were dealt a severe blow. The southwestern club, previously sitting at the league’s summit, fell to a 2-1 defeat against Kano Pillars. The upset at the Sani Abacha Stadium allowed Ikorodu City to capitalize fully. Riding the momentum of their own 2-0 triumph over Gombe United, Ikorodu City now controls the NPFL standings, turning the title race on its head as the season enters a critical phase.
In a classic southern derby in Benin City, Bendel Insurance delivered a commanding performance to defeat Enyimba 2-0. The home side established dominance early, with Ibrahim Abdulrasheed breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute. Insurance sealed the vital three points in the second half when Robert Christian converted from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, securing a win that bolsters their position in the league’s upper tier while handing a setback to one of the country’s most successful clubs.
The matchday also showcased the intense competition throughout the league table. In Lagos, Sporting Lagos and Sunshine Stars battled to a 1-1 draw, a result that does little to aid either side’s push for continental qualification. Elsewhere, Akwa United managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors, highlighting the fine margins that so often define outcomes in the fiercely competitive NPFL.
The convergence of these results has dramatically reshaped the league narrative. Ikorodu City’s ascent to the top marks a remarkable story, while the stumbles of established contenders like Remo Stars and Enyimba have thrown the championship battle wide open. With the table now tightly packed, each subsequent match carries immense weight, promising a thrilling conclusion to the season as clubs vie for the title, continental slots, and fight to avoid relegation.
