Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan brought Bendel Insurance’s nine game unbeaten run to an end with a hard fought 1-0 victory in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 22 clash on Sunday.
The Ibadan side were keen to respond after their recent defeat to Bayelsa United and secure a second successive home win of 2026, having earlier thrashed Enyimba 3-0 on matchday 20. Bendel Insurance arrived in Ibadan full of confidence, unbeaten in the league since November 2025 when they last lost to Plateau United.
After a cagey opening, substitute Qamar Adegoke provided the decisive moment. Moments after coming on, he saw two efforts blocked by defenders, but he made no mistake in the 72nd minute. The former Nasarawa United forward reacted quickest at the back post to finish off Ikouwem Utin’s corner, which had been deflected into his path. The goal lifted Shooting Stars to sixth place on the table with 35 points.
In Umuahia, Nasarawa United claimed a dramatic 2-1 away win over Abia Warriors to move up to second on the log. The Solid Miners came from behind after Emeka Obioma had given the hosts the lead. Goals from Habibu Alakija and JoFrank Istifanus turned the game around and handed Abia Warriors their first NPFL home defeat of the season at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Abia had been unbeaten at home and on a six game unbeaten run overall before the encounter. Nasarawa United’s victory took them to 38 points, just three behind leaders Rivers United, who still have a game in hand against Kwara United.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers produced an emphatic display to beat Wolves 4-2. Godwin Obaje stunned the visitors with two early goals, scoring in the opening minute and again in the 11th to give Rangers a commanding start. Wolves pulled one back in the 56th minute through Israel Oladeji, but Rangers reasserted their dominance as Chimobi Igwilo restored the two goal cushion in the 71st minute before adding his second in the 76th after a swift counterattack. Seth Mayi converted a late penalty for Wolves in stoppage time, but it proved only a consolation as Rangers sealed a convincing win that lifted them into the top four on 36 points, overtaking Ikorodu City.
Elsewhere, Barau and Bayelsa United played out a 1-1 draw, while Niger Tornadoes defeated Enyimba 2-0 thanks to goals from Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai and Rickson Mendos. Wikki Tourists also recorded a 2-0 win over Kano Pillars, with Taheer Abubakar and Klinshak Longbak finding the net.
At the foot of the NPFL table, defending champions Remo Stars remain in a precarious 16th position. Their difficult campaign away from home continues as they are still based in Ibadan due to sanctions that have prevented a return to their Ikenne base. They face fellow strugglers Kun Khalifat on Monday in a crucial fixture where only a win will offer a rare chance to complete a season double over an opponent.
