NPFL Week 11 Review: Abia Warriors Lead the Charge as Enyimba, Rivers United, and Kwara United Shine

A thrilling weekend of drama, comebacks, and crucial victories across Nigeria’s top-flight football league saw Abia Warriors climb to the summit, Enyimba rediscover their rhythm, and Kwara United dazzle in Ilorin

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ikorodu City moves to 3rd on the log, while Abia Warriors moves to first.

It was another electrifying weekend in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as Matchweek 11 delivered excitement, upsets, and shifting fortunes across the country. From Umuahia to Ilorin and Benin to Port Harcourt, the league once again proved why it remains one of Africa’s most unpredictable competitions.

Abia Warriors Hit the Summit

Abia Warriors continued their fine form under Imama Amapakabo, clinching a hard-earned 2–1 victory over Niger Tornadoes on Sunday evening to move top of the NPFL table.
Sunday Megwo broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, and a Sunday Akinmoladun own goal doubled the visitors’ lead just before halftime. Tornadoes pulled one back through Abdulrasheed Dabai in the 54th minute after a neat assist from Clinton Jephta, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Abia Warriors from collecting their seventh win of the campaign.

The result propelled the Umuahia side to 21 points, overtaking Nasarawa United, who faltered in Port Harcourt. Tornadoes, meanwhile, slipped to fifth place on 17 points.

Enyimba Finally Break Their Winless Run

In Aba, Enyimba International finally rediscovered their winning touch, defeating Kano Pillars 2–0 in the fierce Zobia Derby.
Former Heartland midfielder John Bassey opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a commanding header that sent the fans into a frenzy. Moments later, Edidiong Ezekiel capitalized on a defensive blunder, rounded goalkeeper Abuchi, and slotted home for his second goal of the season.

The victory ended Enyimba’s five-game winless streak, a huge relief for coach Stanley Eguma, whose side had not tasted victory since September 21.

For Pillars, however, the crisis deepened. Already docked three points and banned from playing at home due to crowd trouble, the Sai Masu Gida are winless in three and struggling under new coach Muhammad Babaganaru, who has lost his first two matches in charge.

Rivers United Back in Business

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United finally found their rhythm again with a narrow 1–0 win over Nasarawa United, thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Timothy Zachariah on the stroke of halftime.
The win ended their three-match winless run and lifted them back into contention. Nasarawa, who began the weekend on top of the table, dropped to second place following the loss.

Despite their solid defensive structure, the Pride of Rivers have struggled for goals, managing just one goal in each of their previous nine NPFL games. However, their performance against Nasarawa suggests they are rediscovering the intensity that made them one of the league’s most consistent sides.

Kwara United Outclass Remo Stars in Ilorin

Inside the lively Rashidi Yekini Stadium, Kwara United delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, defeating defending champions Remo Stars 3–1 in an entertaining contest.
Junior Aimufua opened the scoring in the 30th minute after reacting fastest to a flick-on from Arinze Ogbonna. The Harmony Boys maintained their dominance throughout, doubling their advantage in the 75th minute when Babatunde Bright curled in a brilliant free kick.

Aimufua sealed the win late on, calmly finishing off a counterattack to complete his brace before Jabbar Malik netted a consolation for the visitors in added time. The result reaffirmed Kwara United’s attacking intent and resilience at home.

Warri Wolves Keep Momentum

Newly promoted Warri Wolves continued their impressive start to life back in the NPFL with a valuable 1–1 draw against Bendel Insurance in Benin.
Alex Oweilayefa gave the hosts an early lead, but Wolves hit back through a stunning free kick from Othuke Egbo before halftime. Despite late pressure from Insurance, Wolves’ captain Michael Ejeh marshalled his defence superbly to earn a hard-fought point.

The result lifted Wolves to second on 18 points, just one behind Abia Warriors, while Bendel Insurance’s struggles deepened, leaving them 18th with only one win in ten games.

Other Results Around the League

At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars and Katsina United shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw after early goals from Ihejiofor C. and Chukwudi L.
Rangers International battled to a goalless draw with El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, while Wikki Tourists held Barau FC to a stalemate on the road.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United came from behind to defeat Plateau United 2–1, with Emo J. scoring twice after Monday G. had given the visitors an early lead.
Meanwhile, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Ikorodu City FC recorded an emphatic 2–0 win over Kun Khalifat FC. Chidera Oparaocha and Dagogo Ibifibura were on target as the Lagos side climbed to third place on the log.

Across all fixtures, a total of 19 goals were scored in Week 11, highlighting the competitive spirit and attacking flair that continue to define the 2025 NPFL season.

As the league edges toward its halfway mark, the title race remains wide open, with Abia Warriors, Warri Wolves, Nasarawa United, and Rivers United all in striking distance – setting the stage for another thrilling matchday next weekend.

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