As expected, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) week 14 delivered drama, surprises, and a clear statement from the league’s top contenders.
Nasarawa United stormed back to the top of the table with a commanding 3-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors, while Kano Pillars and Katsina United ended long winless runs.
The weekend’s results reshuffled the title race and highlighted the fine margins separating the league’s elite from its struggling sides.
Feature match: Nasarawa United 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Nasarawa United’s performance at the Lafia City Stadium was clinical, emphatic, and timely. After a series of hard-fought wins, the Solid Miners announced their return to the summit of the NPFL table with a display that combined efficiency, flair, and tactical discipline.
Anas Yusuf, the league’s lethal marksman, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 38th minute, giving the hosts a psychological edge heading into halftime.
His predatory instincts were on full display just a minute after the break, capitalising on a defensive slip to double his tally, marking his sixth goal of the season.
Nasarawa’s teenage sensation Garba Mohammed capped the rout with a sublime finish, ensuring a 3-0 triumph and asserting the team’s dominance.
The victory sent a strong message to the chasing pack. Nasarawa United now sit three points clear of second-placed Ikorodu City, while El-Kanemi Warriors continue to struggle with consistency, dropping to 13th after claiming only one win in their last five outings.
Post-Match Insight: Head coach Mangut Mbwas praised his players’ execution and discipline, noting that the approach to the match paid dividends.
Anas Yusuf spoke of his joy at scoring a brace but emphasised the team’s collective goal of securing a continental ticket.
On the other hand, El-Kanemi’s Kabiru Dogo admitted Nasarawa deserved the win, highlighting defensive lapses as the difference.
Other key matches in NPFL week 14
Kano Pillars 2-1 Ikorodu City
The Oga Boys’ ascent to the top came to a halt in Kano. Veteran Rabiu Ali’s early strike set the tone, and Olakunle Akala doubled the advantage before halftime.
Ikorodu fought back through Joseph Arumala’s header, but the early strikes proved decisive as Pillars claimed a first win in seven matches, ending a streak of five defeats and two draws.
Katsina United 3-2 Enyimba
An exciting contest in Katsina saw Uche Collins score a brace, sandwiching Stanley Dimgba’s response for Enyimba.
Issah Mohammed’s late strike for the visitors only added to the drama, but Katsina held firm to claim a vital win after two draws and a defeat, while Enyimba’s woes continue under the new coaching regime.
Wikki Tourists 1-1 Bayelsa United
In Bauchi, Wikki salvaged a point late through Nasiru Jibrin, cancelling out Bayelsa’s early goal.
The draw extended Wikki’s unbeaten run to five games, while Bayelsa remain consistent with four games unbeaten.
Both sides now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures against Bendel Insurance and Katsina United, respectively.
Enugu Rangers 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
Rangers edged past Niger Tornadoes at the Cathedral with Augustine Kenechukwu’s decisive 70th-minute strike, bouncing back from last weekend’s loss to Barau.
Kwara United 0-0 Shooting Stars
A cagey encounter in Ilorin ended goalless. Both sides remain without wins in recent weeks, reflecting the struggles in converting opportunities.
Remo Stars 2-0 Barau FC
The defending champions flexed their muscles with Ahmed Akinyele and Victor Mbaoma scoring within the first half-hour, securing back-to-back wins and keeping Barau at bay after a three-match unbeaten run.
Warri Wolves 1-1 Kun Khalifat
Ademola Adebambo’s early opener for Wolves was cancelled out by Gabriel Lekan, leaving both sides without wins in their recent stretches, highlighting the tight mid-table tussle.
Abia Warriors 0-0 Bendel Insurance
Neither side could break through, keeping the visitors’ inconsistent campaign intact and the home side winless in three matches.
Plateau United vs Rivers United
Postponed due to Rivers United’s CAF Champions League commitments, this fixture is expected to be crucial in the coming weeks for the continental push.
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