NPFL Week 6 Recap: How teams in the local league performed

• Ikorodu City secured their first-ever NPFL win with a 3-0 victory over Bendel Insurance
• Bayelsa United’s Yahaya Ibrahim scored the only goal in their 1-0 win against Plateau United
• Kano Pillars remain winless in away matches this season after their 2-0 defeat to Akwa

Matchday 6 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered a weekend of thrilling encounters and upsets. 

Ikorodu City secured their first NPFL victory, convincingly beating Bendel Insurance 3-0 in Lagos. Remo Stars regained the top spot on the table after a dominant 3-0 win over Nasarawa United, as they tirelessly work hard towards their title ambitions. 

Akwa United also stunned Kano Pillars 2-0 in Uyo, while Abia Warriors saw out Kwara United 1-0 in a hard-fought contest. With drama unfolding across the league, Bayelsa United’s narrow 1-0 triumph over Plateau United further spiced up the competition at the bottom of the table. 

As the teams gear up for midweek clashes, the NPFL promises more exciting twists in the coming weeks.

NPFL match week 6 results

1. Ikorodu City 3-0 Bendel Insurance

Ikorodu City recorded their maiden win in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in style, beating Bendel Insurance 3-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Despite starting the season poorly with only a point from five games, the Lagos-based team played with determination, earning their first victory under the guidance of assistant coaches following the departure of head coach Bright Ozebagbe. 

After a goalless first half, Rivio Ayemwenre opened the scoring with a header in the 48th minute, and Kelechi Onwe doubled the lead shortly after. Substitute Ajeyigbe Toyeeb sealed the historic victory with a third goal in the 78th minute.

2. Abia Warriors 1-0 Kwara United

Abia Warriors secured a narrow 1-0 win over Kwara United in a match that had been postponed due to bad weather. The match resumed on Sunday morning at the Umuahia Township Stadium, and despite a strong showing by Kwara United in the first half, it was Abia Warriors who found the net. Sunday Megwo headed in a cross from Ayodele Ezekiel in the 76th minute, which was enough to give the hosts the victory. Kwara United coach Tunde Sanni admitted they were “unlucky” to lose and promised to work on the team’s lapses.

3. Bayelsa United 1-0 Plateau United

Bayelsa United earned their first win of the season with a 1-0 triumph over Plateau United, with Yahaya Ibrahim scoring early in the fourth minute. Despite a late resurgence by Plateau United, Bayelsa’s defence held firm to protect their slim lead. A 50-minute rain delay midway through the match failed to dampen their spirits. 

Bayelsa coach Ladan Bosso expressed delight at the result, which lifted their spirits going forward. Plateau coach Mbwas Mangut lamented the early goal and blamed the soggy pitch for their inability to recover.

4. Remo Stars 3-0 Nasarawa United

Remo Stars cruised past Nasarawa United with a 3-0 win that took them back to the top of the NPFL standings. All three goals came in the second half, with Sikiru Alimi, Stanley Joseph, and Sodiq Ismail getting on the scoresheet. Nasarawa struggled to keep up, and the dominant display by Remo saw them secure their fifth win of the season.

5. Akwa United 2-0 Kano Pillars

Akwa United put on a clinical performance to defeat Kano Pillars 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The visitors dominated early on but were unable to find the back of the net. 

Endurance Edibiri headed in a corner just before halftime to put Akwa in front. Pillars made tactical changes to push for an equaliser, but a late strike by Friday Apolos in the 83rd minute sealed the victory for Akwa.

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.