Matchday 15 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered another weekend of tight contests, emotional finishes and results that reshaped both ends of the table. Ikorodu City reclaimed the top spot after grinding out a disciplined 1–0 victory over Abia Warriors at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, a result that marks a significant step in their growing title credentials.
Chidera Oparaocha provided the breakthrough in the sixty-ninth minute, finishing off one of Ikorodu City’s most coordinated moves of the afternoon. The goal lifted the Lagos side to twenty-seven points, enough to leapfrog Nasarawa United after their slip earlier in Warri.
Read Also: RENEWED HOPE BASKETBALL TOURNEY: Cantonment Braves Are Champions ..defeat Hoops & Read 44-37
Nasarawa United entered the weekend with momentum but were stunned inside the opening minutes in their 1–0 defeat to Warri Wolves. Othuke Egbo struck in the fifth minute, punishing a defensive mix-up and giving Wolves an early control they never surrendered. The loss leaves Nasarawa level on points with Ikorodu City but second on goal difference.
The day also brought a strong statement from Enyimba, who have endured an inconsistent run in recent weeks. Their 2–1 win over Enugu Rangers in Aba was hard-fought and symbolic. Chidera Michael broke the deadlock three minutes before the break, settling early nerves for the champions. Stanley Dimgba doubled the lead late in the second half after sustained pressure. Rangers’ Kenechukwu Agu pulled one back in added time, but Enyimba showed composure and organisation to close out the match.
In Barau, fans witnessed one of the most absorbing fixtures of the matchday. The home side secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Kwara United in a match that swung back and forth. Usman Maidubji and Muhammad Umar put Barau ahead twice, only for Kwara United to level each time through Chibuzor Eze Ogbodo and Aule Johnmark. The decisive moment arrived in the final minute when Stanley Oganbor produced a late winner, sealing what may go down as one of Barau’s most important victories this season.
Kun Khalifat earned another crucial win in their push for safety with a composed 2–0 triumph over Plateau United. Lekan Gabriel scored shortly after the second half kicked off, rewarding sustained attacking play. Henry Ezeonye converted a late penalty to put the result beyond doubt.
Read Also: Nigeria Set for CAF African Schools Football Championship Zonal Qualifiers in Ouagadougou
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars continued their steady form with a narrow 1–0 win over El Kanemi Warriors. Ismail Ayodele remained calm inside the box to score the winner in the twenty-ninth minute. The match was fiercely contested, but Shooting Stars showed greater discipline in key moments.
Bayelsa United and Katsina United could not be separated in their 1–1 draw in Yenagoa, a match that reflected two sides determined not to lose ground in the battle for mid-table stability.
At the lower end of the league, pressure continues to mount. Bendel Insurance delivered a much-needed statement with a convincing 3–0 victory over Wikki Tourist, while Niger Tornadoes edged Remo Stars 1–0 to strengthen their top-four ambitions.
The standings remain tight as the season edges toward the midway point. Ikorodu City and Nasarawa United both sit on twenty-seven points, while Niger Tornadoes and Rivers United follow closely on twenty-three points. Rivers United still have a game in hand, which could alter the picture further.
Read Also: Adu Samuel Shines as 2025 Obasa Games Chess Champion
With club ambitions rising and the stakes escalating each weekend, Matchday 15 reaffirmed the unpredictability and emotional intensity of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
MATCHDAY 15 FULL RESULTS
Barau 3 2 Kwara United
Bayelsa United 1 1 Katsina United
Enyimba 2 1 Rangers International
Ikorodu City 1 0 Abia Warriors
Kun Khalifat 2 0 Plateau United
Shooting Stars 1 0 El Kanemi Warriors
Warri Wolves 1 0 Nasarawa United
Bendel Insurance 3 0 Wikki Tourist
Niger Tornadoes 1 0 Remo Stars
