Unbeaten rivals Enyimba and Rivers United keep pressure on Nasarawa as NPFL hits Matchday 8

As the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) enters Matchday 8, the season’s narratives are sharpening and the stakes rising across stadiums nationwide.

From title contenders seeking to cement their dominance to struggling sides desperate for a turnaround, this weekend’s fixtures promise drama, tactical intrigue, and emotional intensity.

At the heart of the action are the two unbeaten sides, Enyimba and Rivers United, who continue to chase down early leaders Nasarawa United.

Rivers United host Bayelsa United in Port Harcourt, aiming to extend their undefeated run and close the gap at the top. With Bayelsa winless in five matches, the Pride of Rivers are tipped to maintain their momentum at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

A win would take Finidi George’s side within one point of Nasarawa, who face a stern test against resurgent Enugu Rangers in Lafia.

Enyimba, meanwhile, travel to Owerri for an Oriental Derby against newly promoted Kun Khalifat. The hosts have struggled to adapt to the top flight, losing four of their seven games, and will be desperate to avoid another defeat against the record champions.

Enyimba sit second on the table, just three points behind Nasarawa, and will be targeting a return to the summit.

In Kano, tradition and ambition collide as Kano Pillars welcome Shooting Stars to the Sani Abacha Stadium. Pillars secured a rare win midweek against Kwara United but remain near the bottom of the table.

Their guests, under coach Nurudeen Aweroro, have turned their season around with three consecutive victories and now sit just five points off the top. Shooting Stars will be eager to exploit Pillars’ inconsistency and continue their climb.

Ikorodu City host Bendel Insurance at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, both sides seeking redemption. Ikorodu are winless in three, while Insurance have endured a poor run that led to the suspension of head coach Greg Ikhenoba.

With only one win in seven matches, the Benin Arsenal are languishing in 16th place and need a result to revive their campaign.

In Jos, Plateau United and Barau FC face off in a battle of the basement. Both teams are struggling, with Plateau sitting 18th and Barau just below. Their similar form has bookmakers predicting a draw, though both sides will be desperate to break free from the lower rungs.

Abia Warriors will look to extend their impressive home form when they host El-Kanemi Warriors in Umuahia. Having already beaten Kano Pillars, Katsina United, and Remo Stars at home, Abia are confident of another win against an El-Kanemi side yet to register an away victory this season.

Warri Wolves and Niger Tornadoes meet in Delta State, separated only by goal difference. Both teams have ten points from seven games, but Wolves have struggled at home while Tornadoes are yet to earn a point on the road, setting up an unpredictable encounter.

Kwara United, reeling from back-to-back league defeats and a recent exit from the FAC Confederations Cup, travel to Bauchi to face Wikki Tourists. The hosts are also in poor form, having failed to win any of their last four matches, making this clash a potential lifeline for both sides.

Finally, reigning champions Remo Stars head to Katsina in search of their second away win of the season. With a game in hand and sitting in 10th place, Remo are keen to climb the table. Katsina United, vulnerable at home and winless in their last three, face a tough test against one of the league’s strongest outfits.