- Lobi Stars grabbed their first win of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars
- Ahmed Musa netted twice on his return to Kano Pillars, leading them to a 2-0 win over Sunshine Stars
- Enugu Rangers got a narrow 1-0 win over Abia Warriors, moving up to fourth place in the standings
Matchday 5 of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered a thrilling weekend of action across the country. Fans witnessed Ahmed Musa's triumphant return to Kano Pillars, as the former Super Eagles captain scored a brilliant brace in a 2-0 win over Sunshine Stars.
Elsewhere, Rivers United extended their dominance at the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Akwa United, thanks to a late winner from Ndifreke Effiong. Also, Lobi Stars finally got their first win of the season, edging Shooting Stars 1-0, while El-Kanemi Warriors battled Bendel Insurance to a 1-1 draw, still holding on to their unbeaten away record.
As the league continues to heat up, these results hint at the fierce competition ahead, with teams showing dominance and a few proving consistency. From Musa’s heroics to Rivers United’s resilience, this matchday had it all; goals, drama, and tactical battles.
NPFL match week 5 results
1. Lobi Stars 1-0 Shooting Stars
Lobi Stars finally registered their first win of the 2024/25 season, seeing out Shooting Stars with a narrow 1-0 victory. A crucial goal in the 29th minute from Samuel Tiza secured all three points for Lobi, easing the pressure on head coach Eugene Agagbe, who had been given a five-match ultimatum following the team's earlier struggles.
Agagbe’s side now sits with four points from five matches as they prepare for their upcoming challenges against Niger Tornadoes and El-Kanemi Warriors.
2. Bendel Insurance 1-1 El-Kanemi Warriors
El-Kanemi Warriors extended their unbeaten streak on the road after a 1-1 draw with Bendel Insurance. Despite taking an early lead through Ibrahim Mustapha in the 2nd minute, the Warriors were pegged back by a 19th-minute equaliser from Bendel's Michael Enaruna. It was Enaruna's second consecutive goal that helped his side snatch a valuable point.
The draw saw El-Kanemi maintain their resilient form away from home, having previously secured a 1-1 result against Rangers International and won 4-3 against Nasarawa United.
3. Nasarawa United 0-0 Bayelsa United
Nasarawa United failed to make their home advantage count, settling for a goalless draw against Bayelsa United. Both teams created several opportunities, but neither could find the back of the net.
Notably, Nasarawa's Anas Yusuf came close with a long-range effort, but Bayelsa goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah pulled off a string of impressive saves to keep the scoreline intact. As a result, Nasarawa United sit 11th in the standings with five points from five games.
4. Kano Pillars 2-0 Sunshine Stars
Ahmed Musa marked his return to Kano Pillars with a brace, leading his team to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Sunshine Stars. The Nigerian national team captain opened the scoring just four minutes into the match, before doubling the lead in the 51st minute.
“It's a great feeling to be back and contribute,” Musa said after the game. His goals helped Kano Pillars bounce back from their previous defeat, putting them in a stronger position as the season progresses.
5. Rivers United 2-1 Akwa United
Rivers United secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Akwa United, with key contributions from former Akwa players, including Ndifreke Effiong, who scored the winning goal in the 85th minute. Earlier, Stephen Manyo had given Rivers the lead in the 31st minute before Akwa equalised through Friday Apollos.
“It was bittersweet to face my former teammates, but getting the win was crucial for us,” Effiong remarked. The victory propelled Rivers United to the top of the NPFL table.
6. Kwara United 1-0 Remo Stars
Kwara United claimed their first victory of the season, defeating previously unbeaten Remo Stars 1-0. Shola Abdulraheem’s goal in the 56th minute was enough to secure the win, as Remo were reduced to 10 men following a red card for Sani Faisal.
Visibly angered by the numerical disadvantage, Remo pushed even hard but couldn't break down Kwara’s defense. Kwara's win lifted them to 13th place, while Remo suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
7. Plateau United 1-0 Ikorodu City
Plateau United returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City, thanks to a stunning 63rd-minute strike from Vincent Temitope. The Peace Boys, who had been frustrated by missed chances earlier in the match, were relieved to hold on to the lead despite Ikorodu City's late surge.
Plateau's goalkeeper, Harrison Ebah, made a crucial save late in the game to preserve the win. With the result, Plateau United climbed to fifth in the standings.
8. Enugu Rangers 1-0 Abia Warriors
Rangers International edged past Abia Warriors with a solitary goal from Kazeem Adeniyi, who converted a free kick in the second half. Rangers had multiple chances to extend their lead but were unable to capitalise.
“Abia Warriors is a good team with a goal coach, Emma Emakabo, that knows Rangers pattern of play, having coached Rangers in the past,” said Rangers coach Ilechukwu. The win placed Rangers fourth on the NPFL table, with 10 points from five matches.
9. Enyimba 3-0 Katsina United
Enyimba International cruised to a 3-0 win over Katsina United, with goals from Ekene Awazie, Ifeanyi Ihekeleme, and Kalu Nweke.
The match had been suspended due to a floodlight failure in the 75th minute on Sunday, but Enyimba returned the next morning to complete their dominant victory. Enyimba’s commanding win lifted them to second place on the NPFL table.
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.
