Home wins, stalemates and fan violence – what the Nigerian topflight is telling us.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 12 offered another weekend of drama, grit, and growing narratives that continue to shape this unpredictable 2025 season. From Lagos’ rising force Ikorodu City to crowd troubles up north and nail-biting derbies down south, the round reminded fans why Nigerian football remains the country’s most unpredictable theatre.
Ikorodu City Keep Flying: The Lagos Dream Grows
At the Ozoro Stadium, Ikorodu City FC produced one of the most significant results of the weekend, defeating Warri Wolves 2–0 to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches. The Lagos-based club showed impressive tactical balance, pressing high early before striking through Tomisin Adebayo’s clever finish in the first half and a composed second goal from Goodluck Anuba before the break.
The result takes Ikorodu City to third on the NPFL log with 21 points, just two behind league leaders Nasarawa United, who were held to a 1–1 draw at home by Kwara United. For a club still considered newcomers to the top flight, Ikorodu’s calmness on the road and growing confidence are sending a clear message: the “Oga Boys” from Lagos are no longer content with surviving — they are aiming to contend.
Rangers, Wikki, Abia Warriors Hold Their Ground
Elsewhere, Rangers International FC maintained their fortress reputation in Enugu, edging Shooting Stars SC (3SC) 1–0. The Flying Antelopes have been nearly flawless at home this season, and their ability to grind out narrow victories underlines why the Cathedral remains one of the toughest grounds in Nigerian football.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists continued their steady rise with a deserved 1–0 win over Niger Tornadoes. It was a scrappy encounter, decided by a late winner, but it gives Wikki the belief that a top-half finish is within reach.
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Oriental Derby between Abia Warriors and Enyimba International ended goalless in Umuahia. Though lacking in goals, the fixture was rich in tension and rivalry, with both sides trading half-chances and near-misses. For Abia Warriors, the draw keeps them in second place, only a point behind Nasarawa United. Enyimba, on the other hand, will rue another missed opportunity to climb the table as they continue to chase consistency under mounting pressure.
Trouble in Katsina: League Crackdown Begins
Off the pitch, Katsina United dominated headlines for all the wrong reasons. Following crowd disturbances during their recent home fixture; where projectiles were reportedly thrown onto the pitch and match officials were endangered, the NPFL disciplinary committee has slammed the club with a ₦9 million fine and ordered them to play the rest of their home matches in Jos, behind closed doors.
It’s a stern statement from the league’s authorities and a necessary one. Fan violence and pitch invasions have long been a stain on Nigeria’s domestic football. The punishment sends a signal that discipline and professionalism are now non-negotiable if the NPFL is to grow its reputation and attract global attention.
Kano Pillars and Remo Stars: Heavyweights Under Pressure
At the other end of the table, Kano Pillars remain in dire form. Their 0–0 draw with Bayelsa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium means the former champions are still rooted to the bottom. Once a powerhouse of Nigerian football, Pillars now find themselves fighting for survival, struggling to find inspiration in front of goal and cohesion in defence.
Defending champions Remo Stars also had a weekend to forget. In a rescheduled tie, they were beaten 2–1 by Plateau United in Jos; a result that deepens their early-season woes and raises questions about whether the Ikenne-based side can replicate last season’s intensity.
With 12 rounds gone, the NPFL table is beginning to separate dreamers from contenders. Nasarawa United hold a slender lead, but Ikorodu City’s form, Abia Warriors’ resilience, and Rangers’ consistency mean the chase is wide open.
A League Growing in Personality and Pressure
What stands out this season is the growing unpredictability. Promoted and mid-tier sides are refusing to bow to history, while established clubs are being forced to adapt or fall behind. For fans, that unpredictability is pure theatre — Nigerian football in its most authentic form.
Yet, the league’s beauty still coexists with its flaws. Infrastructural challenges, poor officiating consistency, and fan indiscipline threaten to undermine the progress being made on the pitch. But for every chaotic headline, there’s also a club like Ikorodu City showing what ambition, structure, and belief can achieve.
Nigerian Football Rising, Learning, Evolving
Matchday 12 has given us a fair picture of where the league stands: a blend of youthful ambition, old-guard struggles, and administrative awakenings. Lagos’ Ikorodu City are rewriting the script, Katsina United are learning hard lessons, and the NPFL itself is proving that growth comes not only from goals but from governance.
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