The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL) Matchday 5 served up a mix of drama, shock outcomes, and postponed fixtures as a result of continental engagements. Listed here are the 5 main speaking factors from the weekend’s motion.
4 Matches Postponed for CAF Duties
The involvement of Nigerian golf equipment in CAF competitions led to the postponement of 4 NPFL fixtures. Rivers United, Remo Stars, Kwara United, and Abia Warriors all had their league video games rescheduled.
On the continent, outcomes had been blended. Rivers United battled to a goalless draw away to Aigles du Congo, whereas Remo Stars impressed with a 4-0 thrashing of US Zilimadjou within the CAF Champions League preliminary spherical. Kwara United fought onerous however fell 4-3 to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, whereas Abia Warriors had been held 1-1 at residence by Djoliba of Mali.
Solely Remo Stars look firmly accountable for their tie. The opposite sides might want to step up of their return legs to maintain Nigeria’s continental coefficient robust.
Bayelsa United Slip, Nasarawa United Shine
Nasarawa United pulled off one of many standout outcomes of the spherical, defeating Bayelsa United 2-1 in Yenagoa. Mustapha Jawad gave Bayelsa the lead within the thirty sixth minute, however Ekeson Okorie (45’) and Collins Onovuke (88’) turned the sport round for the guests.
Bayelsa, who began the season brightly with two straight wins, have now misplaced two of their final three residence video games—a worrying development that would see them dragged into an early relegation battle if not corrected.
Enyimba Keep Unbeaten however Look Susceptible
Enyimba maintained their unbeaten run with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Bendel Insurance coverage in Aba. Regardless of being troubled by Insurance coverage’s attacking play, the Folks’s Elephant confirmed resilience to safe most factors and stay high of the desk.
Whereas their nine-time champion pedigree is starting to indicate, Enyimba should add ruthlessness and consistency if they really intention to reclaim the league crown.
Taking pictures Stars Raise Off, Ikorodu Metropolis Falter
Taking pictures Stars (3SC) lastly recorded their first win of the season, edging Kun Khalifat FC 2-1 in Ibadan. The victory lifted them out of the relegation zone to thirteenth place, easing stress on their new technical crew and administration.
In the meantime, Ikorodu Metropolis suffered their first defeat of the season, taking place 4-2 to Niger Tornadoes in Minna. Tornadoes’ robust begin has them firmly among the many early pacesetters.
Katsina United Break into the Prime Two
Matchday 5 wrapped up on Monday as Katsina United defeated Wikki Vacationers 1-0 to climb into second place. The end result, mixed with wins for Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United, reshaped the highest 4: Enyimba (11 factors) lead the pack, adopted by Katsina United (10 factors), Niger Tornadoes (9 factors), and Nasarawa United (9 factors).
The early standings underline the competitiveness of this season’s marketing campaign. With simply 5 rounds performed, the NPFL already guarantees unpredictability, with large golf equipment underneath stress and rising groups punching above their weight.
Matchday 5 Outcomes
Bayelsa United 1-2 Nasarawa United
Enyimba 3-2 Bendel Insurance coverage
