The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered an action-packed Matchday 10 as debutants Ikorodu City secured a memorable 2-0 victory over Rivers United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, handing Rivers their first defeat of the season. Ayomide Cole opened the scoring just three minutes into the second half, and Rivio Ayemwere doubled their advantage eight minutes later, sealing a memorable win for the newcomers.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars leapfrogged Rivers United to the top of the standings with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars. Michael Ibe’s 47th-minute strike was enough to earn Remo Stars three points, putting them level with Rivers United at 21 points but ahead on goal difference.
Elsewhere, reigning champions Enugu Rangers continued their strong form with a solid 2-0 win over Nasarawa United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Last season’s top scorer, Godwin Obaje, stole the show with both goals for the Flying Antelope, keeping Rangers firmly in the hunt.
At the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Bendel Insurance bounced back from a recent defeat with an intense 2-1 win over Sunshine Stars. Kayode Oke put Insurance ahead in the 17th minute, only for Sodiq Ibrahim to equalize shortly after. Anamdi Anthony then clinched victory with a decisive goal on the hour mark, lifting Insurance to 11th in the standings.
In Kano, veteran Ahmed Musa scored the winning goal as Kano Pillars rallied to beat Plateau United 2-1 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Gafar Saka had given Plateau United the lead in the 66th minute, but a quick response from Rabiu Ali and Musa turned the game around, securing an important home victory.
Meanwhile, in an Oriental Derby, Heartland triumphed over Abia Warriors 2-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Goals from Michael Ogu and Chukwuma Agor in each half gave Heartland all three points, pushing them up to 12th place in the league, while Abia Warriors fell to 9th.
Niger Tornadoes ended a seven-game winless streak with a crucial 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna. Joseph Godstime and Mendos Rickson were on target, helping Tornadoes earn a much-needed win.
Bendel Insurance also notched the only away win of the week by edging Sunshine Stars 2-1, with goals from Kayode Oke and Nnamdi Anthony sealing their third win of the season.
In other results, El Kanemi narrowly defeated Katsina United 1-0 at home to move up to fourth place, while Akwa United snapped a three-game winless streak by overcoming Kwara United 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Finally, Bayelsa United and Enyimba split the points in a 1-1 draw at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
Full NPFL Matchday 10 Results:
• Rangers2-0 Nasarawa Utd
• Kano Pillars2-1 Plateau Utd
• Sunshine Stars1-2 Insurance
• Abia Warriors0-2 Heartland
• Bayelsa Utd1-1 Enyimba
• Ikorodu City2-0 Rivers Utd
• Tornadoes2-0 3SC
• Akwa Utd2-1 Kwara Utd
• Remo Stars1-0 Lobi Stars
• El Kanemi1-0 Katsina Utd
