It was yet another dramatic weekend of action in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, as teams faced off in contention for points on match day seven. As usual, here is a look at the three talking points from the exciting match day.
No joy at home, Landmark goal
Barau FC went to beat Kun Khalifat in Aba last weekend, only for them to slump to Warri Wolves in Kano. Incidentally, the Warri side also lost at home to Shooting Stars on match day six. Goalkeeper Vicent Edafe, who was culpable in the loss to Shooting Stars, came up big for the Seasiders alongside Justice Ohanu, who scored the match-winner in the first half.
Earlier on Saturday, Bendel Insurance slumped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of league leaders Nasarawa United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin. Substitute Mohamed Garba struck in stoppage time to help his claim the win, and his goal was the 100th league goal of the season.
Teams like Enyimba, Bayelsa United, and Niger Tornadoes also failed to take maximum points against Rivers United, Ikorodu City, and Kun Khalifat, respectively.
Beaten at home, sacked – the story in Ilorin
It has been a tough couple of days for Kwara United and their fans. They were knocked out of the continent by Asante Kotoko last week, rumours emanated that the head coach, Tunde Sanni, had been given a three-match ultimatum, and laboured to a win over Plateau United on Thursday before Sunday’s home defeat to Abia Warriors.
The Federation Cup winner has now been sacked, with his assistant Ashifat Suleiman given the mandate to lead the squad until a permanent head coach is named.
According to reports, Gbenga Ogunbote and Aliyu Zubair are the possible replacements, with the latter being the favourite after the ongoing U20 World Cup in Chile.
Delirium in Ibadan
Shooting Stars left it late against Plateau United at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. The Oluyole Warriors were targeting a third consecutive win on the bounce, but the Peace Boys made life difficult for them.
However, Ayodele ”Omo Beere” Ismail headed home a low ball for the winning goal in the 95th minute to spark wild jubilations in the stadium. Fans, technical staff, and everyone, including the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and his entourage enjoyed that particular one. Chaotic scenes!
