NPFL Week 2: Lagos Derby Takes Centre Stage As Teams Chase First Wins

The first Lagos derby of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season will take centre stage this weekend as Sporting Lagos host Ikorodu City in a clash that promises to be a battle for local pride and prestige.

Sporting Lagos, who returned to the top flight this season after their relegation in 2024, suffered a defeat away to Doma United in Gombe on the opening weekend and will be seeking their first points of the campaign.

Ikorodu City, meanwhile, made an impressive start by defeating Ranchers Bees 3-1 in Lagos and will be aiming to make history by recording two wins from their opening two matches.

Elsewhere, Plateau United and Kwara United will both be looking for their first victories when they meet in Jos.

Plateau United returned from Port Harcourt empty-handed after losing their opening fixture, while Kwara United fought back from two goals down at home against Kano Pillars to secure a point in Ilorin.

Nasarawa United will also be desperate for a response when they host Bendel Insurance. The Solid Miners left Kano disappointed on the opening weekend and are searching for their first points of the new season, while Bendel Insurance travel to Lafia with confidence after defeating neighbours Warri Wolves last weekend.

In Owerri, Kun Khalifat will welcome Barau FC as both teams look to build on their opening-weekend results. Kun Khalifat held Abia Warriors to a goalless draw in Umuahia and will be targeting their first victory, while Barau will be hoping to make it two wins from two and claim their first victory on the road.

Ranchers Bees will have another opportunity to secure their first points since returning to the Nigerian top flight when they host Abia Warriors in Kaduna.

The club, now bankrolled by Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar, returned to the NPFL after being relegated in 2010 but suffered a 3-1 defeat to Ikorodu City last weekend, despite taking the lead in Lagos.

Kano Pillars will also be seeking their first win of the campaign when they face Niger Tornadoes in an all-northern clash.

The Sai Masu Gida surrendered a two-goal lead against Kwara United last weekend to settle for a draw and will be keen to make home advantage count. Niger Tornadoes, however, will arrive in Kano buoyed by their opening-day victory over Enyimba in Minna.