Action resumed on Matchday 30 of the Nigeria Premier Football League as Bendel Insurance F.C. secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Kun Khalifat F.C. at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The hosts made a bright start to the encounter and took the lead as early as the fifth minute through Emmanuel Akpan, who finished calmly to hand Bendel Insurance an early advantage.

Insurance maintained its attacking momentum and doubled its lead before halftime when Kayode Oke found the back of the net in the 41st minute, putting the home side firmly in control heading into the break.

Kun Khalifat responded after the restart and reduced the deficit in the 52nd minute through Lekan Gabriel, setting up a tense finish to the contest.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, Bendel Insurance held their ground to secure all three points in front of their home supporters.

The victory provides a timely boost for Bendel Insurance as the league campaign approaches its decisive stages.

Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars suffered a surprise 3–2 home defeat to Bendel Insurance at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, in a thrilling encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

The visitors stunned the home crowd early when Wisdom Udom opened the scoring in the 14th minute, putting Bendel Insurance ahead against the run of play.

Bendel doubled their advantage in the 26th minute through Henry Onyia, who finished clinically to leave the champions reeling. Remo Stars responded almost immediately as Adeleke Adeleye pulled one back two minutes later, reducing the deficit and reigniting hope for the hosts.

However, Bendel Insurance restored their two-goal cushion in the 40th minute when Henry Onyia struck again, netting his second of the game to make it 3–1 before the break.

Remo Stars came out strongly in the second half and created several chances. Victor Mbaoma found the net in the 60th minute to cut the deficit once more and set up a tense final half-hour.

Earlier, the hosts had come close to scoring when Mbaoma’s effort struck the side netting before Alex Oyowah’s follow-up was comfortably gathered by the Bendel Insurance goalkeeper. Remo Stars were later denied an equaliser in the 66th minute when Ahmed Akinyele’s effort crashed against the woodwork.

Despite sustained pressure from the champions, Bendel Insurance held firm to claim a famous away victory, handing Remo Stars a rare home defeat.

Uche Dozie

Several fixtures across the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced contrasting outcomes on Matchday 26, with emphatic wins, narrow victories and goalless stalemates recorded nationwide, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

At the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Plateau United and Nasarawa United shared the spoils in a 0–0 draw, as both sides failed to convert limited chances in a cagey North Central derby.

In Bauchi, Shooting Stars (3SC) secured a vital 1–0 away victory over Barau FC, thanks to an early strike from Sodiq Ibrahim in the 9th minute, a goal that proved decisive as the Oluyole Warriors held on defensively.

Abia Warriors also picked up maximum points on the road, edging Kun Khalifat FC 1–0, with Suraju Lawal’s 81st-minute goal settling the contest in a tightly fought encounter.

At the Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro, Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars cancelled each other out in a 0–0 draw, with both goalkeepers enjoying relatively quiet outings in a match short on clear-cut chances.

The standout performance of the day came in Minna, where Niger Tornadoes thrashed El-Kanemi Warriors 3–0. Azeez Akintunde opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 5th minute, before Rickson Mendos struck twice late on, in the 79th and 83rd minutes, to seal a dominant victory.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United came from behind to defeat Remo Stars 2–1, overturning an early goal by Victor Mbaoma (14’) with second-half strikes from Fabby Clark (59’) and Emo James (64’).

Uche Dozie

Nasarawa United and Bendel Insurance strengthened their Nigeria Premier Football League campaigns on Monday evening with crucial victories that reshaped the standings at both ends of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United edged Shooting Stars 1–0 to reclaim top spot in the NPFL. The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when substitute Moyi Hassan unleashed a powerful strike to hand the Solid Miners all three points in a tightly contested match. The win underscores Nasarawa United’s growing consistency as the race for the title intensifies.

At the Ilorin Township Stadium, Bendel Insurance secured a vital 1–0 victory over Katsina United. Elmer Arunta provided the decisive moment in the 71st minute, finishing calmly to lift the Benin Arsenal out of the relegation zone. The result offers much-needed relief for the Benin side, who had been hovering dangerously near the bottom of the table.

With the win, Nasarawa United move back to the summit with 30 points, two ahead of second-placed Ikorodu City. Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, climbs from 19th to 15th place, now on 19 points after 16 matches, significantly improving their chances of survival as the season approaches its midpoint.

Uche Dozie

Bendel Insurance produced a dominant display to seal a comfortable 3–0 home victory over Wikki Tourists while Niger Tornadoes beat reigning champions, Remo Stars, on Saturday, Nigeriassoccernet.com reports.

Chinedu Nwosu opened the scoring in the 16th minute, before Emmanuel Dung doubled the advantage with a close-range goal just two minutes into the second half.

Emmanuel Akpan put the result beyond doubt in the 59th minute after benefiting from. Onyian's long throw as Insurance secured all three points with authority.

In Minna, Niger Tornadoes recorded a hard-earned 1–0 win over Remo Stars to go third on the log standings.

The decisive moment came early, with Clinton Jephta with a smashing finish in the 2nd minute to hand the hosts a crucial victory.

Uche Dozie

Matchday 15 of the Nigeria Premier Football League produced major shifts across the table, with newly promoted Kun Khalifat climbing out of the bottom four and Ikorodu City rising to the summit after a hard-fought home victory. Enyimba also claimed bragging rights in the Oriental Derby against Rangers International, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Kun Khalifat 2–0 Plateau United

Kun Khalifat secured a vital home win to boost their survival hopes, defeating Plateau United 2–0.

Lekan Gabriel opened the scoring in the 47th minute, before Henry Ezeonye converted a 70th-minute penalty to seal the victory.

Ikorodu City 1–0 Abia Warriors

Ikorodu City moved to the top of the NPFL standings following a 1–0 triumph over Abia Warriors.

Chidera Oparaocha struck in the 69th minute to earn all three points for the Lagos club.

Enyimba 2–1 Rangers International

Enyimba claimed victory in the Oriental Derby, edging Rangers 2–1 in Aba.

Goals from Chidera Michael (42’) and Stanley Dimgba (81’) put the hosts in control, before Kenechukwu Agu pulled one back for Rangers deep into stoppage time.

Other Results

Barau FC 3–2 Kwara United

Barau edged a five-goal thriller, with strikes from Usman Maidubji (19’), Muhammad Umar (43’), and Stanley Oganbor (90’).

Kwara United responded through Chibuzor Eze Ogbodo (40’) and Aule Johnmark(49’), but it was not enough to deny the hosts.

Warri Wolves 1–0 Nasarawa United

Warri Wolves earned a narrow win thanks to an early 5th-minute goal from Othuke Egbo.

Bayelsa United 1–1 Katsina United

Bayelsa United were held to a draw at home, with Ifeanyi Ogba converting a 7th-minute penalty, before Azeez Falolu equalised for Katsina United in the 36th minute.

Matchday 15 concludes with significant movement at both ends of the table, setting up an intriguing run-in as the season approaches its midpoint.

Uche Dozie

League giants, Rivers United secured a slim victory away from home for the first time this season against Kun Khalifat, while Plateau United piped Bendel Insurance to wrap up match day 12 fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers ensured maximum points were gotten at the DAN Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, as they played newly promoted sides, Kun Khalifat FC.

After a cagey encounter that left the score goalless for more than the one-hour mark, the George Finidi-led side found themselves in front after a goal by Maclyn Biokpo in the 78th minute as they went on to win by a goal to nil.

At the new Jos Stadium, Plateau United got a 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance after a Saka Gafar goal on 56 minutes was enough for the Peace Boys to get maximum points.

The result takes Rivers United closer to the top three with a point adrift of third place, Ikorodu City, and three goals less than table toppers, Nasarawa United, with a game to spare.

Kun Khalifat FC move to the bottom four with 12 points after 12 matches, while Plateau United find themselves in 15th position with 15 points after 12 matches.

Bendel Insurance are 19th on the log with 9 points garnered after playing 12 matches.

Uche Dozie

Nasarawa United returned to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table following their win against reigning champions Remo Stars, while Rivers United secured a draw against Bendel Insurance in the NPFL rescheduled match day 9 fixtures, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Nasarawa United came from behind to beat Remo Stars 2-1 at the Lafia City Stadium, moving a point clear of Abia Warriors at the top of the table, while Remo Stars remain at the bottom of the table in 17th position.

Michael Ibe had put the champions ahead in the 5th minute, but John Joshua leveled the score for the Solid Miners in the 32nd minute, as a dominant first half for the hosts ended 1-1.

JoFrank Isitifanus scored for the home side, turning things around in the 79th minute; the goal proved to be the winner.

In Benin, Bendel Insurance and Rivers United played out a goalless draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium after 90 minutes.

The result pushed Rivers United to sixth place on the table, five points off the top, while Bendel Insurance remains 19th.

Uche Dozie

Bendel Insurance has appointed Kennedy Boboye to replace Coach Greg Ikhenoba as their new head coach on a 2-year deal, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In a press release on Monday, the Edo based club announced the news following the approval by the club management.

The statement revealed that an agreement has been reached between the club and Boboye, and his employment takes immediate effect.

"After a thorough evaluation, the management found Coach Boboye suitable for the role and has offered him a substantive two-year contract. The decision is based on his proven track record, impressive credentials, and extensive experience in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)."

Arrangements have been concluded for the official unveiling of the Delta-born tactician in Benin City on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the release also revealed.

The management of Bendel Insurance FC, while wishing Boboye to succeed, thanked Coach Baldwin Bazuaye (MON), an Executive Director in the Commission, who stepped in as Interim Technical Manager following the suspension of Head Coach Greg Ikhenoba on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Uche Dozie

Bendel Insurance has announced the suspension of  Coach Greg Ikhenoba with immediate effect, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Benin Arsenals announced via their social media handle that the directive came from the state Sports Commission, led by Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, who approved the suspension.

According to the news release on Monday, the decision follows the poor performance of Bendel Insurance Football Club in the current season.

One of which was the recent 1-0 loss to Nasarawa United in match day seven of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday.

The Sports Commission Chairman has also directed that Coach Baldwin Bazuaye, MON, hold forth as the Head of the technical crew of the Premier League club until further notice.

Coach Greg Ikhenoba becomes the third coach to be relieved of his duties so far in the NPFL after Warri Wolves did the same with Napoleon Ahuma, while Kwara United told Tunde Sanni to step aside on Sunday.

Uche Dozie

Abia Warriors and Warri Wolves stole the show in the Nigeria Premier Football League match day 7, following their away wins against Kwara United and Barau FC, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Abia Warriors edged the Harmony Boys 1-0 at the Umuahia Stadium following a goal from Emeka Obioma, three minutes into the second half.

Obioma scored from the spot after Kwara United's GK handled an indirect ball in the box.

In Kano, new boys, Barau FC tasted home defeat at the hands of NPFL returnees, Warri Wolves, following a goal on 29 minutes by Justus Ohanu.

The Maliya Boys' morale for an equalizer was further reduced following the sending off of Emmanuel Okoko after receiving a second yellow card as the encounter ended 0-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.

Rivers United remained strong so far this season, going to Aba to play a goalless draw against Enyimba FC. The two sides remain unbeaten in seven matches.

Tosin Oyedokun scored from the spot for Ikorodu City on 83 minutes to help the Tech Boys secure a point against Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Emo James had given the Prosperity Boys the lead on 26 minutes.

Niger Tornadoes and Kun Khalifat also settled for a 1-all draw at the Bako Kontagora  Stadium in Minna.

Abba Khalid had put the Ikon Allah ahead before Ugochukwu Akuta levelled the score for the Owerri-based side.

A goal by Ismail Ayodele in 90+6 minutes was all Shooting Stars Sports Club needed to edge Plateau United and grab their third straight win at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

Earlier, Nasarawa United defeated Bendel Insurance in Benin to remain top of the log after a late goal by Mohammed Garba.

El Kanemi Warriors also defeated Kano Pillars 2-1 at home.

Uche Dozie

Reigning champions, Remo Stars, have gone top of the league, Rangers International and Kwara United recorded their win, as Plateau United continue to struggle, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports

The Sky Blue Stars ended the unbeaten run of Nigeria National League champions Warri Wolves after a 1-0 win at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena, Abeokuta, following Samson Olasupo's 77-minute goal.

Remo Stars now have seven points after three matches played and go top of the log with better goal difference than Wikki Tourist.

It was another unbeaten streak that ended as Niger Tornadoes defeated Bayelsa United 1-0 courtesy of Ismail Sarki's goal in 27 minutes of the game played at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna.

Wikki Tourist remained unbeaten and stayed top of the log with a slim win over Abia Warriors courtesy of a goal by  Jonathan Mairiga in 77 minutes.

Rangers International recorded their first win of the season after beating struggling Plateau United 2-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Goals from Chidozie Iwundu on 45 minutes and Chidiebere Nwobodo on 80 minutes were enough to give the Flying Antelopes the win, leaving the Peace Boys winless since the start of the league.

Kwara United also celebrated their first win after defeating new boys, Kun Khalifat FC 2-0 at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, George Inih Stadium, Ilorin.

Goals from Johnmark Shirsha on 24 minutes and Emeka Kingsley Obiorah on 81 minutes ensured maximum points for the Harmony Boys.

Multiple champions, Enyimba FC, played a disappointing goalless draw against Nasarawa United at home, while former champions, Rivers United and El Kanemi Warriors, encountered in Maiduguri ended goalless.

The topsy-turvy run of Shooting Stars Sports Club continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ikorodu City at home in the South West derby clash on Sunday.

Sodiq Ibrahim found the net in the 9th minute to give the Oluyole Warriors an early lead, but they were pegged back after Shola Adelani, with a timely touch to bring the Oga Boys level at the stroke of half-time.

Uche Dozie

Barau FC head coach, Ladan Bosso, has expressed confidence that his side will bounce back from their recent defeat and secure their first win of the season when they take on Bendel Insurance this weekend, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Bosso acknowledged the disappointment of the previous result but stressed that his players are fully motivated to respond positively.

“We know the last game didn’t go our way, but the boys are ready to fight harder. Our focus is on correcting the mistakes and ensuring we get all three points this time,” the veteran tactician said.

The clash against Insurance is expected to be a stern test, but Bosso believes Barau FC has what it takes to deliver a stronger performance and kickstart their campaign.

The Oluyole Warriors played a 1-1 draw against the Benin Arsenals at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, after a matchday 1 loss against Bayelsa United in Ibadan.

It took the visiting side five minutes into the action to break the deadlock after Ayodele Ismail put 3SC ahead. He stole in behind his marker to pass the ball beyond Insurance goalkeeper Baba.

The home side were back in the game a few minutes later when Alex Oweilayefa headed past 3SC goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal on 12 minutes to level the score.

The first half ended 1-1 with both sides going at each other at intervals for the edge.

The end-to-end continued in the second half, but it was the home side that almost got the win in the 89th minute as Mustapha Lawal made a crucial save to keep the score level till full time.

Uche Dozie

The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba has been selected to host the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The tournament that will determine the teams promoted to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season.

The Super 8 playoffs are scheduled to kick off on July 5 and conclude on July 12.

Eight teams have qualified for the tournament, with Warri Wolves, Osun United, Crown FC, and Kun Khalifa FC representing the Southern Conference, and Wikki Tourists, Yobe Desert Stars, Doma FC, and Barau FC representing the Northern Conference.

The top four teams will earn promotion to the NPFL, and the overall winner of the tournament will be crowned the champion of the 2024/25 NNL season.

Last season's titleholders, Ikenne-based Beyond Limits, will be looking to defend their title against strong contenders.

The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba will host all the matches, providing a suitable venue for the teams to showcase their skills and compete for promotion.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

The Borno army piped Sunshine 1-0 to scale through and condemned the Akure Gunners to the Nigeria National League in Maiduguri.

Barnabas Daniel scored for El-kanemi Warriors at the 27th minute against Sunshine Stars FC for the win.

Heartland FC defeated fellow relegation bound team Akwa United, but it was not enough to see the Nazi Millionaires out of the relegation waters at the end of the day.

Isaac Nassy scored in 22 minutes while Daniel Ekpo, on 76 minutes, doubled the lead for Heartland before Chisom Orji pulled one back for Akwa United on 83 minutes.

Mubarak Said's goal on 34 minutes was all Katsina United needed to get a crucial win against Kwara United and stay afloat, 2 points away from the drop zone

In Aba, Enyimba FC fell to their first home loss this season against Plateau United courtesy of a 40th-minute goal from Abdullahi Yusuf.

It was goals galore in Ibadan as Shooting Stars Sports Club thrashed former champions, Rangers International 5-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

A brace from Sodiq Ibrahim and goal each by Gbolagade Adelowo, Alex Aghahowa and Joshua Akpan made the only by the visitors through Bashir Usman a consolation.

It was a fight to finish in Lagos and Kaduna after a 5-goal thriller saw Ikorodu City pip Abia Warriors 3-2 while Niger Tornadoes edge Kano Pillars with the same scoreline.

Ayomide Cole on 37’ minutes, Tosin Oyedokun on 58 minutes and Musa Malik on 65 minutes gave Ikorodu City the three goals while Sunday Megwo's additional time goal in the first half and  a goal from Paul Samson on 75 minutes were the two goals from the visitors.

Rabiu Ali's early goal in the 4th minute for the visitors was cancelled by Godstime Joseph's goal from the spot three minutes later, bringing the first half to a 1-all scoreline.

Ismail Sarki gave the hosts the lead for the first time in the game on 66 minutes before Kufre Ebong doubled the lead on 84 minutes.

Naziru Auwali Ibrahim reduced the deficit on 87 minutes, but there was no comeback as the hosts saw off the game to take all points at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

Uche Dozie

Abia Warriors have sealed the top three of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season after their win over El Kanemi Warriors, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Abia Warriors came from behind to defeat El Kanemi Warriors 2-1 at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday, on match day 37.

Mukhtar Ismail put the visitors ahead in the 45th minute of play as the first 45 minutes of the encounter ended 0-1.

However, Ojonugwa Adejoh in the 54th and Emmanuel Ogbuagu in the 70th minutes completed the comeback and the win for Ochendo Boys.

They are keep their third spot with 60 points, four points better than Ikorodu City and Bendel Insurance that are fourth and fifth respectively.

Heartland FC lost away from home, further jeopardizing their chances of getting out of the relegation zone after a 1-0 loss to Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

A goal from Chinedu Onyejiekwe on 50 minute.

Akwa United remained in the relegation waters despite their 2-0 win over Bayelsa United courtesy of goals from Endurance Ebedebiri in the 22nd minute from the spot and Kabir Osoba after additional time.

Uche Dozie

Remo Stars failed to extend their lead more after playing a draw at home while Bendel Insurance recorded the only win as Abia Warriors remain strong for top 4 with a win in match day 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

In Ikenne, the Remo Stars Stadium, it was league leaders Remo Stars playing a goalless draw against Katsina United.

Rivers United slipped in their own game, losing 0-2 Abia Warriors in at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Goals from Emmanuel Ogbuagu and Ijoma Antoine for Abia Warriors were all that was needed for the home side to sail through 2-0.

The win means Rivers United could not reduce the gap by Remo Stars while Abia Warriors' are now on 53 points, 2 points adrift Rivers in third place.

Bendel Insurance moved 5th position with a crucial win away in Ilorin after Kayode Oke's 33 minutes goal gave the Benin Arsenals the win.

Sunshine Stars rekindled their hopes for survival in the league with a win over multiple champions, Enyimba FC at Ijebu Ode.

The Owena Waves defeated the People's Elephant 2-1 courtesy after Christian Nnaji in the 28th minutes cancelled Elmer Arunta's goal in the 8th minutes before Waheed Adebayo's goal in the 41st minutes.

Nasarawa United stayed strong to beat Plateau United 3-2 in Lafia.

Anas Yusuf opened score for the hosts on 22 minutes before Ugochukwu Leonard doubled the lead on 54 minutes.

However, Vincent Temitope pulled one back 4 minutes later to make the score 2-1, but Leonard scored another for the home side on 74 minutes to make it 3-1.

Sam Pam scored for the visitors after the additional time to raise the nerves of the hosts, but they held on for the win.

Kano Pillars compounded the woes of Lobi Stars beating them 2-0 courtesy fo goals from Ahmed Musa on 55 minutes and Naziru Auwalu Ibrahim at additional time from the spot 90 as they relegate from topflight football.

Uche Dozie 

Bendel Insurance head coach, Greg Ikhenoba, has praised his team’s determination following their 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars in Matchday 30 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

Kayode Oke Solomon scored the decisive goal in the 20th minute, securing all three points for the Benin Arsenals against the Owena Whales of Akure.

Speaking after the game, Ikhenoba acknowledged the significance of the victory and commended his players for their efforts despite fatigue.

Coach Greg Ikhenoba’s Reaction:

?? “I thank God we got the three points. It was what we planned to get. I thank the management for standing behind us and thank the boys for their resilience.

“Some of my players were fatigued. They needed rest because we have been very busy, playing two or three games within a week and making long-distance trips. Last week, we traveled to Umuahia for a game against Abia Warriors, and the next day, we moved to Lafia for the Round of 64 FA Cup match. So, I must commend my boys—they have done well.”

League Standings & Next Fixture

? Bendel Insurance now sits fifth on the NPFL table with 44 points.
? Up next: A trip to Kano to face Kano Pillars on Matchday 31, Wednesday.

The Benin Arsenals will be hoping to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for a strong finish in the NPFL season.

NPFL side, Rivers United closed gap on top place Remo Stars with a slim over Niger Tornadoes after Remo Stars loss to Bendel Insurance in the match day 28 fixtures played on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers kept a third consecutive clean sheets to beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

A Samson Obi strike 9 minutes to regulation time sealed the win for the hosts who moved within 8 points of table toppers Remo Stars.

Meanwhile, Remo Stars could not a third consecutive loss away from home after losing 2-1 against Bendel Insurance.

Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi put the hosts in front as early as the 2nd minutes of the game before doubling the lead in the 55th minutes.

Samuel Anakwe pulled one back 8 minutes before time for the visitors, but it was not enough for a comeback.

Remo Stars are still top with 54 points while Rivers United are on 46 points to stay second place in the Nigeria Premier Football League log.

Uche Dozie