NPFL 2025/2026 MD20 Round Up : Rivers United stay top of the table log . As drama continue to unfold
By Usman Bature
Matchday 20 in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2025/2026 league season has lived up to expectations, delivering thrilling encounters and major talking points across the country, as monitored by Sahel Sports News.
Rivers United maintained their grip at the top of the NPFL table with 38 points after holding Rangers International to a goalless draw in Enugu. Abia Warriors remain close challengers on 34 points, continuing their impressive run this season.
Kano Pillars, Warri Wolves, and Bendel Insurance all recorded vital away victories, while Shooting Stars SC (3SC) produced the most emphatic result of the round with a dominant win over Enyimba.
Kano Pillars’ narrow away victory over Nasarawa United in Lafia has further underlined their resurgence, extending their unbeaten run to five matches under acting head coach Babaganaru. Following this result, Plateau United and Kwara United are yet to record an away win this season.
Wednesday, 14 January Results
At the El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium in Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bayelsa United. Daddy Abdulrahman scored the decisive goal in the 19th minute his fifth of the season to earn maximum points for the hosts.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors were held to a 1-1 draw by Plateau United. Plateau United took an early lead through Saka Gafar in the 8th minute, before Emeka Obioma restored parity for the hosts in the 28th minute. After the game, Plateau United coach Gbenga Ogunbote described the result as “a good start, getting the first point on the road.”
Bendel Insurance continued their impressive form with a 1–0 away victory over Kwara United at the Ilorin Township Stadium, courtesy of Akpan Emanuel’s 37th-minute strike.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Rivers United preserved their four-point lead at the summit after a tense 0-0 draw against Rangers International.
Warri Wolves recorded another impressive away performance, defeating Wikki Tourists 1-0 in Bauchi their fourth away win in ten matches this season.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars SC delivered one of the standout performances of Matchday 20, cruising to a convincing 3–0 victory over Enyimba FC at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, Barau FC defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-1. Goals from Uche Moses in the first half and Umar Mohammed early in the second half put Barau in control. Clinton Jephta pulled one back for Tornadoes, but it was not enough. Tornadoes coach Majin Mohammed later blamed missed chances and urged his team to focus on upcoming fixtures.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars claimed Southwest derby bragging rights with a 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City, thanks to a decisive strike from Haruna Hadi.
At the Lafia Township Stadium, Kano Pillars secured a valuable 1-0 away win over Nasarawa United, with Okorie scoring the decisive goal to extend Sai Masu Gida’s unbeaten run to five matches.
Thursday, 15 January Result
Katsina United rounded off Matchday 20 with a 2-0 home victory over Kun Khalifat FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. Jamilu Yusuf scored twice, with assists from Mubarak Sani and Abdulkadir Dali, as effective substitutions proved decisive.
The defeat further deepened Kun Khalifat FC’s struggles. They are now winless in five matches and have managed just one win in their last 11 games, picking up only seven points from a possible 33.
As the NPFL season enters a crucial phase, Matchday 20 once again highlighted the league’s competitiveness, marked by narrow margins, strong away performances, and an increasingly intense title race.
Top scorers roll call
Player Club Goals
Victor Mbaoma Remo Stars 8
Ebuka Victor Nwokorie Kun Khalifat FC 6
Godwin Obaje Enugu Rangers 6
Chidera Michael Enyimba FC 6
Daddy Abdulrahman El-Kanemi Warriors 6
Anas Yusuf Nasarawa United 6
Rabiu Ali Kano Pillars 6
Gideon Monday Plateau United 5
Sunday Megwo Abia Warriors 5
Emmanuel Igbunu Warri Wolves 5
Joseph Arumala Ikorodu City 5
Uche Collins Katsina United 5
