Across Nigeria, football fans braced for another weekend of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), gathering in viewing centres and living rooms, eager to see which clubs would take the spotlight on Matchday 4. As it turned out, this matchday provided no shortage of talking points, from underdog triumphs to dramatic late winners, as league heavyweights found themselves tested in several cities.
The Joy of First Wins: Plateau United and Kun Khalifat Break Their Duck
Few things stir the emotions of local supporters like witnessing their team claim a first win of the season. In Jos, Plateau United did just that, ending a difficult start to their campaign with a 2–0 victory over early league leaders Remo Stars. The home crowd at the New Jos Stadium erupted after Tarabina Biweribo opened the scoring, and Mafeng Pam added a second to secure the points. The result not only lifted Plateau United off the bottom but also served as a reminder that the so-called “Peace Boys” cannot be written off.
Meanwhile in Aba, newly-promoted Kun Khalifat delivered a powerful message of their own. In front of a buoyant home crowd, striker Ebuka Nwokorie bagged two goals, and Onuorah Onyedika finished the job, guiding their side to a 3–1 win over El Kanemi Warriors. Even as El Kanemi tried to fight back with Ebuka Okoro’s effort, the energy and attacking flair of Kun Khalifat carried the day, sending home fans home with hope that their side can compete at this level.
Remo Stars Falter as Plateau Turn the Tide
Prior to kick-off, Remo Stars had emerged as the form team, unbeaten and showing signs of an early charge for the title. Plateau United’s triumph, therefore, was as much a shock to the system for Remo as it was a signal to the rest of the division that last season’s struggles might soon be a distant memory. Speaking to local media after the game, Plateau’s coach emphasized the team’s resilience: “We knew we needed to respond and today the players showed great heart. This is just the beginning.”
Late Drama in Benin as Bendel Insurance Seize the Moment
There was more excitement in Benin, where Bendel Insurance fans watched with bated breath as substitute Israel Emmanuel popped up with a crucial winner deep in stoppage time. This 1–0 victory over Niger Tornadoes was no lucky break—the decisive goal came from a now-familiar Insurance play: a powerful long throw-in that unsettled the visiting defence. The relentless energy shown by Insurance highlights how set-piece routines, when mastered, can yield regular rewards in the NPFL.
Enyimba Shine Away From Home: Title Credentials on Display
Enyimba International, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football sides, underlined their intent with an assured 2–0 win away at Bayelsa United. Goals from Chidera Michael and Kalu Nweke kept the People’s Elephant charging forward, pushing them into the top spot, at least for now. The precision and discipline on display by Enyimba will not go unnoticed, and analysts across the country have already tipped them as serious contenders going forward.
Other Results: Tight Margins and First Points for Ikorodu City
Elsewhere, narrow victories were the theme of the day. Abia Warriors, Kano Pillars, and Nasarawa United all recorded slim wins, demonstrating the increasingly competitive nature of the league. Over in Lagos, Ikorodu City secured their first three points of the season by defeating Barau FC 2–0. This result provides hope for the club’s supporters, who have waited through early frustration for a sign that their team can make a real impact this term.
Rivers United Edge Shooting Stars; Warri Wolves Stalemate
In the south, Rivers United found a way past Shooting Stars with a narrow 1–0 win, thanks to Ubong Friday’s sharp strike. The outcome leaves Shooting Stars, nicknamed “Oluyole Warriors,” rooted to the bottom of the table—a tough pill to swallow for their passionate supporters.
Meanwhile, Warri Wolves hoped for more but had to settle for a goalless draw at home against Kwara United. Despite a spirited performance and flashes of attacking movement, both teams left with a single point each.
Standings After Matchday 4: The League Table Takes Shape
With four fixtures played, the NPFL table is already producing compelling storylines. Enyimba now top the charts with eight points, leading Rivers United on goal difference. Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourist, and Nasarawa United are right behind with seven points apiece, while Remo Stars, after stumbling in Jos, drop to sixth, also on seven points.
The middle of the table is crowded, with Ikorodu City, Bayelsa United, Katsina United, and Abia Warriors all bunched on six points. The margins are tight enough that a single win or defeat can dramatically alter standings, keeping pressure high week-to-week.
At the lower end, there is mounting concern. Teams like Kun Khalifat, Kano Pillars, and Rangers International each have four points, with Plateau United hovering just above the relegation zone on three points. Shooting Stars and Barau FC share bottom spot with two points each, intensifying worries among their faithful as they search for a spark to reignite their seasons.
Local Perspectives: Fans, Experts, and the Race Ahead
Nigerians are famously passionate about football, and the opening rounds of the NPFL have generated plenty of banter in markets, offices, and on social media platforms. Lagos-based football pundit Segun Oduwole commented, “We are seeing unexpected results and that’s good for the competition. Every state has something to celebrate or worry about!”
Fans across West Africa, from Accra to Cotonou, have taken interest in the evolving league, with many Ghanaians noting the close links and player crosses between the Ghana Premier League and NPFL. The excitement is not limited to Nigeria; West African football continues to spark conversations about player development, local investment, and the importance of supporting domestic leagues.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for NPFL Clubs?
As the league gathers pace, every point matters. The coming matchdays will be crucial, particularly for teams languishing at the bottom, where even one good performance can change the mood. For title hopefuls, consistency and depth will be tested by both familiar rivals and this season’s unpredictable newcomers.
Off the pitch, supporters are calling for better officiating, improved stadium facilities, and enhanced broadcast opportunities—key issues if the NPFL is to continue its growth and attract continental interest. The demand for transparency and professional administration remains strong among fans and experts alike. As clubs respond to these challenges, the hope is that more young talent, whether from Nigeria, Ghana, or elsewhere in Africa, will see the league as a viable path to greater things.
What does the future hold for your club? Whose story are you following this season, and which fixture are you looking forward to most? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to follow us for up-to-date NPFL insights and news.
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