NPFL 2025/2026: Remo Stars & Wikki Tourists Lead the Pack as Matchday 3 Concludes
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered another weekend of thrilling action from September 5-7, 2025, with several teams jostling for early-season dominance. Remo Stars and Wikki Tourists emerged as the co-leaders, showcasing their title ambitions with impressive victories. The week also saw some solid defensive displays, a resurgent Rangers, and a struggling Plateau United.
Match Summaries & Analysis
Rangers Int’l 2-0 Plateau United: In a high-stakes encounter, Enugu Rangers secured a dominant victory over Plateau United. The win marks a significant turning point for the Rangers, who had a slow start to the season. Their clinical finishing and organized defense proved too much for a Plateau United side that is still searching for its first points of the campaign. This result moves Rangers into the top half of the table, while Plateau United’s woes continue as they remain at the bottom.
Remo Stars 1-0 Warri Wolves: Title holders Remo Stars solidified their position at the top with a hard-fought 1-0 win against a resilient Warri Wolves side. The game was a tactical battle, with both teams displaying disciplined defensive setups. Remo Stars’ ability to find a way to win, even when not at their attacking best, highlights their championship pedigree. The victory extends their unbeaten run and keeps them tied for first place on points.
Wikki Tourists 1-0 Abia Warriors: Wikki Tourists’ perfect start to the season continued with a narrow win over Abia Warriors. The result is a testament to their strong home form and defensive solidity. They now share the top spot with Remo Stars, showcasing their potential to be a surprise contender this season. Abia Warriors, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result, which sees them slip down the table.
Kwara United 2-0 Kun Khalifat FC: Kwara United secured their first win of the season with a convincing 2-0 victory over newcomers Kun Khalifat. The result provides a much-needed boost for Kwara United, who had a shaky start to the campaign. For Kun Khalifat, the loss highlights the challenges of competing in the top flight, and they will need to regroup quickly to avoid a difficult season.
Katsina United 1-0 Kano Pillars: A strong performance from Katsina United saw them claim a crucial 1-0 win over Kano Pillars. The victory sends a clear message about Katsina United’s ambitions for the season, as they climb into the top five. Kano Pillars’ struggles continue, and they will need to find a way to turn their season around to avoid being drawn into a relegation battle.
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Bayelsa United: Niger Tornadoes delivered a stunning upset, defeating a high-flying Bayelsa United team. The victory is a significant statement of intent from Niger Tornadoes, who have now secured two wins in three matches. The loss for Bayelsa United, who had been in great form, serves as a reality check and drops them to third place.
Barau FC 1-1 Bendel Insurance: A closely contested match between two mid-table teams ended in a draw. Both sides showed flashes of brilliance but were unable to find a winning goal. The result keeps both Barau FC and Bendel Insurance in the bottom half of the table, and they will be eager to secure a win in the coming weeks.
Shooting Stars 1-1 Ikorodu City: In a battle of two teams looking for their first victory, Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City played out a draw. While both teams earned a point, they will be disappointed not to have secured all three. The result keeps both teams hovering near the relegation zone, and they will need to improve their form to climb the table.
El Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Rivers United: A scoreless draw between El Kanemi Warriors and Rivers United was a showcase of strong defensive play. Both teams defended resolutely, limiting each other’s attacking opportunities. The result maintains their unbeaten records and keeps them within the top 10.
Enyimba FC 0-0 Nasarawa United: Enyimba and Nasarawa United also shared the spoils in a goalless draw. The match was a cautious affair, with both teams prioritizing not conceding. Enyimba’s inability to capitalize on their home advantage is a concern, but they remain unbeaten.
Combined Best XI of the Week (September 5-7, 2025)
Goalkeeper:
- A. Ogundare (Remo Stars): Crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet against a tough Warri Wolves side.
Defenders:
- Rabiu Abdullahi (Rangers Int’l): Solid at the back and instrumental in Rangers’ clean sheet and win.
- S. Mubarak (Wikki Tourists): A key player in a resolute Wikki Tourists defense that has now conceded only one goal in three matches.
- G. Biriduba (Niger Tornadoes): Excellent performance in a backline that successfully contained Bayelsa United’s attack.
- Y. Abdullahi (Katsina United): Contributed to the clean sheet against a strong Kano Pillars side.
Midfielders:
- Gbolagade Adelowo (Rangers Int’l): A dynamic presence in the midfield, controlling the tempo and creating opportunities for Rangers.
- Sodiq Ibrahim (Kwara United): Scored a crucial goal and dictated play for his side in their victory.
- M. Fehintola (Wikki Tourists): Played a vital role in Wikki Tourists’ victory, linking the defense and attack effectively.
Forwards:
- O. Aghahowa (Rangers Int ‘l): Scored a vital goal and was a constant threat to the Plateau United defense.
- A. Okon (Wikki Tourists): His goal secured the win for Wikki Tourists, solidifying their spot at the top of the table.
- E. Godgift (Kwara United): A standout performer, scoring and assisting to help his team secure their first victory.
Coach of the Week
Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers Int’l): After a less-than-ideal start to the season, Ilechukwu’s tactical brilliance was on full display as he masterminded a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Plateau United. He galvanized his team and implemented a game plan that exposed the opposition’s weaknesses. This result is a testament to his leadership and an important step in getting the Rangers’ season back on track.
Most Outstanding Player of the Week
Sodiq Ibrahim (Kwara United): The midfielder was a standout in Kwara United’s 2-0 win over Kun Khalifat. His goal provided the perfect start for his team, and he controlled the tempo of the game from the midfield. His vision, passing, and overall contribution were instrumental in a much-needed victory, making him the most impactful player of the weekend.
