NPFL Review: Ayodele’s stoppage time strike seals third straight win for Aweroro and Shooting Stars!
Oyedokun rescues point for Ikorodu City in Yenagoa, Kun Khalifat stun Tornadoes with late equalizer as Enyimba and Rivers United draw in Aba
Matchday 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered a thrilling mix of late goals, surprise results, and significant shifts in the standings, with three of the six fixtures ending in stalemates.
Abia Warriors and Warri Wolves secured crucial away victories, while Shooting Stars clinched a dramatic stoppage time winner to cap off a pulsating weekend.
In Ilorin, Abia Warriors continued their impressive run with a hard fought 1–0 win over Kwara United, climbing to third in the table.
The victory followed their midweek triumph over reigning champions Remo Stars. After a goalless first half at the Kwara State Stadium, Emeka Obioma struck three minutes into the second half to seal the visitors’ fourth win of the campaign.
The loss claimed the position of Kwara United head coach, Tunde Sani as he was directed to step aside from his role with the club. Assistant coach Ashifat Suleiman will take charge of the team with immediate effect.
Warri Wolves also claimed maximum points on the road, edging Barau FC 1–0 in Kano. Justus Ohanu’s 28th minute goal proved decisive as the newcomers failed to build on their previous win in Aba.
The result marked Barau’s fourth defeat in seven matches and ensured Warri Wolves remained in the top half of the standings.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United and Ikorodu City played out a 1–1 draw in a tense encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Emo James gave the hosts the lead in the 28th minute, but Ikorodu City equalized late through Tosin Oyedokun, who converted a rebound after his initial penalty was saved.
The spot-kick was awarded following a handball by a Bayelsa defender on a goal bound effort. Both teams now sit on eight points from seven games.
Kun Khalifat stunned Niger Tornadoes with a resilient performance in Minna, earning a 1–1 draw and avoiding defeat on the road for the first time since the opening weekend.
Abba Khalid had given the hosts the lead in the 42nd minute, but Kun Khalifat fought back to level nine minutes from time. Despite the spirited display, the newcomers remain 19th in the standings.
At the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Shooting Stars delivered late drama as substitute Ismail Ayodele netted a 94th minute winner to secure a 1–0 victory over Plateau United.
The Oluyole Warriors, who have now won three consecutive matches, continued their resurgence under coach Nurudeen Aweroro, climbing to fifth in the table. Ayodele’s goal came from a determined run and finish, sealing all three points in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Meanwhile, in Aba, Enyimba and Rivers United played out a goalless draw in a highly anticipated clash at the Aba International Stadium.
Despite the lack of goals, both teams remain unbeaten in the league. Enyimba sit one point ahead of Rivers United, who have a game in hand, as both sides continue to stake their claim in the title race.
