The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) week 10 delivered a weekend of shocking results and momentum swings, with Niger Tornadoes silencing Kano Pillars and Plateau United handing Enyimba another painful defeat.
Both results reshaped the early-season narrative, as the traditional powerhouses continue to struggle for form while mid-table contenders gather steam.
Kano Pillars 0–2 Niger Tornadoes
Kano Pillars’ woes deepened on Saturday after another shocking home defeat to Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring after a cagey first half, finishing coolly from close range to put the visitors ahead. Terdoo Shimagande later doubled the lead, sealing a famous win for the Minna side and leaving Pillars fans stunned.
For interim coach Baba Ganaru, who stepped in after Evans Ogenyi’s suspension, it was another night of frustration.
Pillars have now lost back-to-back home games, sinking to the bottom with just five points from ten matches.
Tornadoes, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run to four games (two wins, two draws) and surged into third place on 17 points — a huge statement from a side many had written off as mid-table material.
Plateau United 2–1 Enyimba
Enyimba’s poor run continued in Jos as Plateau United battled to a hard-earned victory at the New Jos Stadium.
Monday Gideon was the hero for Plateau with a well-taken brace in both halves, while Jonathan Jacob briefly raised Enyimba’s hopes with a fine header in the 74th minute before the hosts held firm to claim all three points.
After their heavy defeat to Niger Tornadoes in midweek, Plateau’s response was impressive — full of discipline and energy.
The win lifted them to 15th with 12 points and eased growing pressure on their technical bench.
For Enyimba, the result extended their winless streak to five games, including three consecutive losses, a slide that has seen the two-time African champions drop to ninth place on 13 points.
Elsewhere in NPFL week 10
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Auwal Sadiq Abubakar gave Katsina United a much-needed 1–0 win over El Kanemi Warriors.
The home side showed greater composure after their loss to Kwara United last time out, while El Kanemi struggled to create clear chances. Katsina moved up to sixth on 15 points; El Kanemi sit eighth with 14.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors cruised past Barau FC 2–0, with Emeka Obioma and Sunday Megwo scoring in a confident display.
The result pushed Abia to second on 18 points, continuing their strong start to the season, while Barau slipped to 18th with eight points after a poor defensive display.
Enugu Rangers were held to a goalless draw by Kwara United in a physical battle at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The result did little to lift either side — Rangers remain in 12th on 12 points, while Kwara’s three-game unbeaten run keeps them 10th with 13.
Kun Khalifat continued their steady climb with a 1–1 draw against Bendel Insurance. The visitors struck early through Kayode Oke Solomon, but Uche Moses salvaged a point for the newcomers.
Khalifat are now unbeaten in four games and 14th on the table with 12 points, while Insurance’s winless run stretched to five matches, leaving them 19th with seven points.
In Ozoro, Warri Wolves produced another impressive display, beating Bayelsa United 2–0. Igbunu Evwierhurhoma scored twice to secure back-to-back wins and extend Wolves’ unbeaten streak to four games.
They now sit fourth with 17 points, while Bayelsa’s struggles continue as they slip to 16th with 11.
Wikki Tourists returned to winning ways with a 2–0 home victory over Sunshine Stars.
Abdullahi Usman and Jonathan Mairiga were on target for the Bauchi side, ending Sunshine’s six-game unbeaten run. Wikki stay 13th with 12 points, while Sunshine remain 15th on 15.
Star performers
Monday Gideon (Plateau United): A clinical brace against Enyimba to secure a vital home win.
Abdulrasheed Dabai (Niger Tornadoes): Broke the deadlock and led from the front in Tornadoes’ stunning away victory.
Igbunu Evwierhurhoma (Warri Wolves): Another match-winning brace to keep Wolves among the top contenders.
While NPFL powerhouses like Enyimba and Pillars continue to falter, sides such as Niger Tornadoes, Warri Wolves, and Abia Warriors are using the opportunity to gather momentum.
With only seven points separating second from 10th after the NPFL week 10 actions, the early title race remains wide open heading into Matchday 11.
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