NPFL Week 4 Recap: How teams in the local league performed

• Enyimba struggles to create clear scoring opportunities against River United
• Kabiru Balogun seals Nasarawa United’s win with a stunning free-kick against Ikorodu City
• Kwara United’s Yahaya Ibrahim made his NPFL debut at right-back

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered yet another action-packed matchday, as fans were treated to thrilling moments, tight scorelines, and resolute defensive displays. 

Teams like Nasarawa United and Remo Stars grabbed victories, while others like Niger Tornadoes battled for a point despite unfavourable circumstances. There were red cards, hard-fought goals, and last-minute drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats. 

With each passing game, the NPFL shows its growing competitiveness with teams that have raised their standards and the performance of rising stars. 

In Lagos, Ikorodu City suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Nasarawa United despite their relentless pursuit of an equaliser. 

Meanwhile, Niger Tornadoes and Bendel Insurance battled to a 1-1 draw after Tornadoes were reduced to 10 men early in the game. Rivers United, aiming to remain at the top of the table, earned a comfortable 2-0 victory over Enyimba. 

Bayelsa United shared points with Kwara United in a 1-1 draw, while Abia Warriors were clinical in a 2-0 win over Kano Pillars. Remo Stars, continuing their hot streak, secured a 2-1 win over Enugu Rangers, sealing the best start in the current NPFL season.

Matchday three results:

Ikorodu City 1-2 Nasarawa United

Ikorodu City’s nightmare continued as their winless run extended to four games with a 2-1 defeat at home to Nasarawa United. 

The Mobolaji Johnson Arena saw Nasarawa United's Anas Yusuf break the deadlock in the 44th minute. Ikorodu City’s response came swiftly in the second half, with Thankgod Chilaka equalising just three minutes after the restart.

Despite Ikorodu City's second-half dominance, Nasarawa United regained the lead when Kabiru Balogun unleashed a superb free-kick in the 65th minute. Nasarawa United’s forward Balogun, reflecting on the victory, stated, 

“We really worked hard for the victory over Ikorodu City... scoring the final goal and getting the maximum points on the road will set us up for a positive campaign.” This win was a big relief for Nasarawa United after their previous defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors.

Niger Tornadoes 1-1 Bendel

Despite playing with 10 men for over 75 minutes, Niger Tornadoes showed resilience in their 1-1 draw with Bendel Insurance. The early sending off of goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo in the 13th minute, following a clumsy challenge, left Tornadoes in a precarious position. 

However, the Ikon Allah Boys still managed to take the lead through Jonas Emmanuel’s clinical finish from a Papa Daniel free-kick.

Bendel Insurance fought back, and their persistence paid off when Vincent Okeke fired home a rebounded clearance to bring the game level. 

Coach Majin Mohammed said after the game, 

“The early minute red card disrupted our match plan, but it's part of the game. However, it was a good game despite playing with a man down; the boys gave a good account of themselves.”

Rivers United 2-0 Enyimba

Rivers United kept up their impressive form by defeating Enyimba 2-0. In a match that pitted two former Super Eagles stars, Finidi George and Yemi Olanrewaju, against each other, the host team secured their victory early and late in the game. 

Ubong Friday opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Seiyefa Jackson added a second just three minutes before the final whistle.

Rivers United’s coach Finidi George had the last laugh over his former club, as his side now sits in second position on the league table with 10 points from four matches.

Bayelsa United  1-1 Kwara United

A hard-fought draw unfolded at the Samson Siasia Stadium, where Bayelsa United and Kwara United shared the spoils. The visitors took the lead through Akanni Akeem in the 66th minute, capitalising on a well-timed through ball to slot home. However, Bayelsa United’s Yahaya Ibrahim equalised in the 77th minute to prevent a home defeat.

Kwara United’s teenage defender Yahaya Ibrahim was impressive in his debut, playing the full 90 minutes and helping his side secure a valuable point. 

Coach Tunde Sanni’s decision to give the youngster a start paid off, as Kwara United grabbed their first away point of the season.

Abia Warriors 2-0 Kano Pillars

Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia got a 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars in their Week 4 clash of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

The home side took the lead in the 15th minute when Sunday Megwo found the back of the net, sending the fans at the stadium into wild celebrations.

With strong support from the crowd, Abia Warriors continued to apply pressure, but Kano Pillars’ goalkeeper, Idreesu Ibrahim, made a crucial save in the 20th minute to keep his team in the game. 

However, the hosts doubled their lead in the 37th minute, giving Coach Imama Amakapabo’s team a comfortable advantage heading into halftime.

In the second half, Kano Pillars tried to mount a comeback, but their attacking efforts were stifled by Abia Warriors’ resilient defence.

This 2-0 win brings Abia Warriors’ points tally to five from 4 matches. Previously, they had lost 2-0 to Remo Stars at home and managed draws of 1-1 against Akwa United and 0-0 against Sunshine Stars.

Remo Stars 2-1 Enugu Rangers

Remo Stars continued their superb form, maintaining their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Enugu Rangers. In what was a tactical battle, Remo Stars took control with Alex Oyowah’s strike in the 50th minute after a well-worked team move. 

Although Enugu Rangers equalised from the penalty spot through Augustine Agu Kenechukwu, Raymond Tochukwu’s long-range effort in the 60th minute sealed the win for Remo Stars.

The win saw Remo Stars remain on top of the NPFL table with 12 points from four matches, continuing their early-season run.

How Adesanya's bet win on Enyimba FC can boost NPFL’s visibility, journalist explains

Previously, TheRadar reported that UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has drawn social attention off the octagon by pocketing ten million naira following a well-placed bet on Enyimba FC. 

Renowned Nigerian photojournalist and NPFL enthusiast, Michael Adegbile, remarked, “Celebrities like Adesanya can boost the league’s profile, ensuring more fans tune in to watch the game.