Shooting Stars of Ibadan finally have lift-off in the 2025/26 NPFL campaign, grabbing their first win of the season with a tense 2-1 victory over Kun Khalifat FC at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, on Sunday.
It didn’t take long for the Oluyole Warriors to spark celebrations, as captain Ghali Falke struck a sweet volley in the 6th minute to give the home side the perfect start. Just after the break, Sodiq Ibrahim doubled the lead with a calm finish in the 47th minute, putting Shooting Stars in control.
But the visitors weren’t going away quietly—Kun Khalifat pulled one back in the 76th minute to set up a nervous finale. Despite the late pressure, the Ibadan side stood firm to seal three vital points and finally get their season rolling.
Enyimba Show Fighting Spirit in Aba
Over in Aba, Enyimba International Stadium witnessed one of the weekend’s most dramatic contests as the People’s Elephant came from behind twice to edge Bendel Insurance 3-2.
Insurance struck almost immediately through Chinedu Nwosu in the 2nd minute, before Joseph Abiodun levelled matters for Enyimba in the 18th. Nwosu struck again on the hour mark, but Enyimba hit back with a penalty from Kalu Nweke five minutes later. Super-sub Chidera Michael then stole the show, firing home the winner in the 69th minute. Stanley Eguma’s men now boast 11 points from five games, cementing their strong start to the season.
Nasarawa United Extend Unbeaten Run
In Yenagoa, Nasarawa United bagged a big away win, coming from behind to beat Bayelsa United 2-1. The hosts had gone ahead in the 36th minute through Mustapha Jawad, but strikes from Ekeson Okorie and Collins Onovuke turned the tide. The result means Nasarawa are unbeaten in their last four, while Bayelsa have now slumped to back-to-back home defeats.
El-Kanemi Warriors Edge Wolves in Maiduguri
A solitary strike from Muktar Ismail in the 19th minute was enough to hand El-Kanemi Warriors a 1-0 win over Warri Wolves in Maiduguri.
Games involving Remo Stars, Rivers United, Kwara United, and Abia Warriors were postponed due to continental duties. Remo Stars and Rivers United are flying the NPFL flag in the CAF Champions League, while Kwara United and Abia Warriors are engaged in the CAF Confederation Cup.
FULL RESULTS – NPFL MATCHDAY 5
• 3SC 2-1 Kun Khalifat
• Enyimba 3-2 Bendel Insurance
• Tornadoes 4-2 Ikorodu City
• El-Kanemi 1-0 Wolves
• Bayelsa Utd 1-2 Nasarawa Utd
