- NPFL Week 10 saw intense action, with teams battling it out for crucial points that impacted their standings
- Rabiu Ali and Ahmed Musa proved age is just a number, guiding Kano Pillars to an important win with their experience
- TheRadar has compiled other match results from week 10 in the NPFL
The NPFL Match Week 10 didn’t disappoint, serving up thrilling victories, surprising comebacks, and key performances that reshaped the league standings. Here’s a rundown of the most captivating games from last weekend:
NPFL match week 10 results
1. El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Katsina United
The only unbeaten team left in the NPFL, El-Kanemi Warriors, continued their exceptional run with a narrow 1-0 win over Katsina United. Ibrahim Mustapha’s 69th-minute goal was all it took to secure victory and propel them to fourth in the standings. Their defence once again proved impenetrable, ensuring they remain a strong contender as the season progresses.
2. Kano Pillars 2-1 Plateau United
Kano Pillars, led by seasoned stars Rabiu Ali and Ahmed Musa, clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory over Plateau United. After a scoreless first half, Plateau United broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a goal from Gafar Saka. However, Ali brought the Pillars back with a 78th-minute equaliser, and Musa stole the show by netting the game-winner deep in stoppage time.
3. Sunshine Stars 1-2 Bendel
Bendel Insurance finally claimed their first away win in two seasons by defeating Sunshine Stars 2-1. Kayode Oke gave them an early lead in the 17th minute, injecting confidence into the struggling side. Sunshine Stars equalised just before halftime, but Nnamdi Anthony’s 60th-minute strike secured a much-needed victory for the “Benin Arsenals.”
Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yussuf Alli, praised the team’s resilience, saying:
“This is a turning point. We have a talented squad, and with some midseason reinforcements, we can achieve more.”
He continued, “I am happy the boys rose up to the occasion because I told them I cannot come to the field to play; the Governor and deputy cannot come to the field of play. They are the soldiers to do the job, and they must have confidence in themselves and deliver. I congratulate Edo people, the fans, and supporters”.
4. Abia Warriors 0-2 Heartland
Heartland FC dealt Abia Warriors their second home defeat of the season with a 2-0 scoreline. Michael Ogu opened the scoring early in the 12th minute, and Agor Chukwuemeka added another in the second half. Despite relentless efforts from Abia Warriors’ strikers, Heartland’s defence held firm, securing an impressive away victory.
5. Remo Stars 1-0 Lobi Stars
With a gritty 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars, Remo Stars climbed to the top of the NPFL table. Michael Ibe scored the game’s only goal shortly after halftime. However, Remo’s assistant coach Kamil Sulaiman wasn’t entirely pleased with the performance:
“I’m not so satisfied. We didn’t play as expected, but what matters is the three points,” he stated. Despite the critical remarks, fans were excited to see their team lead the league standings with 21 points.
Remo Stars moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) table with 21 points following the win.
6. Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
Rangers International handed Nasarawa United a frustrating 2-0 loss. The “Solid Miners” now find themselves struggling with consecutive road defeats, having also lost to Sunshine Stars recently. Rangers took their chances well, while Nasarawa’s Technical Director Kabiru Dogo lamented missed opportunities:
“We dominated large parts of the game but just couldn’t convert. It’s a consistency issue that we need to address,” he explained post-match.
This defeat dropped Nasarawa to 14th place, making their next match against Kwara United a critical one.
The game is set for Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 4 pm at the Lafia City Stadium.
7. Ikorodu City 2-0 Rivers United
In perhaps the biggest shock of the week, Ikorodu City toppled previously unbeaten Rivers United with a 2-0 victory. The game remained scoreless at halftime, but an inspired triple substitution by Ikorodu coach Nurudeen Aweroro changed the momentum. Ayomide Cole scored in the 48th minute, and former Sporting Lagos striker Rivio Ayemwenre added a second in the 53rd.
Aweroro was ecstatic with his team’s performance, saying:
“We played with confidence. My substitutions made the difference, and our team spirit showed today.”
Rivers United coach Finidi George downplayed the loss, emphasizing that occasional defeats are normal in football:
“This is a learning curve. We’re still focused on our title chase,” he said.
Rivers United now occupies the second position after 10 matches with 21 points, while Ikorodu City moved up to 17th position with 11 points.
NPFL Spotlight: Rangers FC secures sponsorship deal worth 200 million naira
Previously, TheRadar reported that Enugu Rangers, the reigning NPFL champions, have set a new standard in sponsorship deals with a groundbreaking agreement for their sleeve sponsorship ahead of the 2024/2025 season.
The deal, valued at an impressive 100,000,000 Naira per season over the next two years, represents a substantial investment in the club’s future ambitions, particularly as they prepare to compete in the CAF Champions League.
