Bendel Insurance delivered one of the most dominant performances of the weekend in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), demolishing Ikorodu City 4–0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Alex Oweilayefa stole the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick, scoring in the 15th, 27th, and 59th minutes, while Wisdom Udom added the second goal in the 24th minute. The Benin Arsenal controlled the match from start to finish, leaving their visitors with little chance to respond.
Elsewhere, Enugu Rangers continued their strong campaign, moving to the top of the NPFL table with a 2–0 home win over Nasarawa United. Godwin Obaje opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead just eight minutes later, pushing the Flying Antelopes to 47 points from 28 matches and ahead of Rivers United and Ikorodu City.
Remo Stars also enjoyed a positive result in their survival battle, defeating Katsina United 2–0 at home. Haruna Hadi scored twice in quick succession in the 60th and 62nd minutes, securing all three points for the Sky Blue Stars and marking a successful debut for new coach Usman Abd’Allah. The win moves Remo Stars to 18th position on 30 points, three points from safety.
Other matches produced mixed outcomes for teams across the league. Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, while Bayelsa United claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over Rivers United thanks to an early own goal by Temple Emekayi in the 13th minute. Enyimba were held 1–1 at home by Kun Khalifat, with James Ekebuike giving the visitors the lead in the 38th minute before Ekene Awazie equalized late. Following their heavy defeat last weekend in Jos, Shooting Stars returned to winning ways with a 2–1 triumph over Kano Pillars, as Sodiq Ibrahim and Qamar Adegoke scored for the Oluyole Warriors and Mustapha Jibrin pulled one back for Pillars.
Saturday’s fixtures saw El-Kanemi Warriors defeat Abia Warriors 2–0, with Daddy Abdulrahman converting a penalty and Bashir Musa sealing the win, while Kwara United secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Wikki Tourists in their new home venue Abeokuta, courtesy of Akeem Akanni’s 15th-minute strike.
Matchday 28 has further tightened the NPFL race at both ends of the table. Enugu Rangers lead with 47 points, just one ahead of Rivers United, who still have three games in hand, while the relegation battle remains fiercely competitive as the season enters its decisive phase.
NPFL Matchday 28 Results
Bendel Insurance 4–0 Ikorodu City
Enugu Rangers 2–0 Nasarawa United
Remo Stars 2–0 Katsina United
Niger Tornadoes 0–0 Sporting Lagos
Bayelsa United 1–0 Rivers United
Enyimba 1–1 Kun Khalifat
Shooting Stars 2–1 Kano Pillars
El-Kanemi Warriors 2–0 Abia Warriors
Kwara United 1–0 Wikki Tourists
