The excitement and unpredictability of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season continued on Matchday 11, delivering top-tier football and notable surprises, especially with four teams grabbing crucial away wins. The weekend’s matches displayed thrilling drama, late winners, and stellar performances that are keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Ikorodu City Snatches First Away Win in Katsina
Ikorodu City celebrated their first away victory of the season in dramatic fashion, coming from behind to defeat Katsina United 2-1 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Katsina took an early lead through Moses Effiong in the 18th minute, but Solomon Alade leveled the score for Ikorodu City just before halftime. With the game nearing a draw, Emmanuel Solomon played the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 89th minute to give the visitors all three points.
Bayelsa United Triumph in South-South Derby
Under-pressure Bayelsa United coach Ladan Bosso earned a much-needed win as his side claimed a 1-0 victory over Rivers United in Port Harcourt. The tightly contested South-South derby at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium saw Bayelsa’s defensive grit shine through, with Rivers United failing to find a breakthrough. This defeat marks back-to-back league losses for Rivers United, led by coach Finidi George.
Kwara United Secure Victory in Lafia
Kwara United added to the day’s tally of away wins by edging Nasarawa United 1-0 at the Lafia City Stadium. Emmanuel Ogbole’s goal in first-half stoppage time made the difference, giving Kwara a vital three points and deepening the struggles of their hosts.
Kano Pillars Overcome Bendel Insurance in Benin
Kano Pillars sealed their away success with a narrow 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance in Benin City. The match was settled by a veteran presence as Rabiu Ali calmly converted a penalty in the dying moments of added time. The victory highlighted Kano Pillars’ strong form and added pressure on Bendel Insurance to regain their footing.
Shooting Stars End El-Kanemi’s Unbeaten Run
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) put on a masterclass in front of their home crowd, dismantling El-Kanemi Warriors with a dominant 3-0 victory in Ibadan. Samuel Ayanrinde, Abubakar Aliyu, and Adam Mustapha were the goal scorers for the Oluyole Warriors, bringing an end to El-Kanemi’s unbeaten streak in emphatic fashion.
Goalless Affairs and Defensive Brilliance
In Aba, the much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Enyimba FC and Remo Stars ended without a goal. Both sides showcased solid defensive performances in a high-stakes encounter that left fans craving more. Similarly, 10-man Plateau United managed to hold Enugu Rangers to a 0-0 stalemate in Jos, a commendable result given their numerical disadvantage.
Heartland and Niger Tornadoes Win at Home
Heartland continued their impressive form with a 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Christian Nnaemeka’s winning goal extended coach Emmanuel Amuneke’s streak to three matches without conceding. In Minna, Niger Tornadoes defeated Akwa United 1-0 at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, thanks to Papa Daniel’s early second-half strike.
Matchday 11 Full Results:
• Heartland 1-0 Sunshine Stars
• Nasarawa United 0-1 Kwara United
• Bendel Insurance 0-1 Kano Pillars
• Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Akwa United
• Katsina United 1-2 Ikorodu City
• Rivers United 0-1 Bayelsa United
• Lobi Stars 3-1 Abia Warriors
• Enyimba 0-0 Remo Stars
• Plateau United 0-0 Enugu Rangers
• Shooting Stars 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
As the NPFL season progresses, the competition is heating up, with away wins and shock results becoming a constant theme. Fans can only anticipate more action-packed weekends filled with the unpredictable twists that make Nigerian football so captivating.
