The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week 15 served up a dramatic round of football across the country, but the biggest storyline came from Lagos, where Ikorodu City reclaimed first place for the second time this season.
While the newly promoted side celebrated their return to the summit, the Oriental derby in Aba produced its usual fire, as Enyimba carved out a hard-earned victory against fierce rivals Rangers.
Ikorodu City reclaim top spot
Ikorodu City continued their remarkable debut-season run with a slim but vital 1–0 win over Abia Warriors.
Chidera Oparaocha stepped up in the 69th minute to bury the winner, pushing the Oga Boys back to the top on 27 points.
They bounced back strongly after their previous setback against Kano Pillars, while Abia Warriors slipped to 5th.
Enyimba edge Rangers in Oriental derby
The Aba Township Stadium buzzed as Enyimba returned to winning ways with a 2–1 triumph over Rangers.
Chidera Michael struck first just before halftime, and Stanley Dimgba doubled the advantage late on.
Rangers responded through Kenechukwu Agu in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
The win lifts Enyimba to 9th on 20 points, snapping a run of one draw and two defeats. Rangers, now beaten twice in three games, drop to 7th.
Other Week 15 Highlights: Drama Across the NPFL
Bendel Insurance hit their stride with biggest win of season
Bendel Insurance enjoyed a 3–0 statement victory over Wikki Tourists in Benin.
Chinedu Nwosu opened the scoring inside 16 minutes before Emmanuel Dung and Emmanuel Akpan sealed the job in the second half.
The Benin Arsenal are unbeaten in three games and now sit 17th with 16 points. Wikki Tourists fall to 12th on 20 points.
Tornadoes halt Remo Stars’ unbeaten run
Niger Tornadoes struck early and held firm as Clinton Jephta’s second-minute goal handed them a 1–0 win over defending champions Remo Stars in Minna.
The result moved Tornadoes up to 3rd on 23 points, while Remo Stars slipped to 13th with 19 points.
Barau stun Kwara United
Barau FC thrilled home supporters with a late 3–2 win over Kwara United in Kano.
Usman Maidubji’s early free-kick was cancelled out before Mohammed Umar restored the lead heading into halftime.
Kwara equalised again after a goalkeeper mistake, but Stanley Oganbor’s 90th-minute header sealed the emotional victory.
Barau rise to 18th on 16 points, while Kwara—winless in four—drop to 14th on 18 points.
“We were punished for not taking our chances,” Kwara head coach Ashifat Suleiman said.
Shooting Star snatch win against El-Kanemi
Ismail Ayodele’s 29th-minute strike proved enough as Shooting Star earned a 1–0 win over El-Kanemi. The Ibadan side climbed to 10th with 20 points.
El-Kanemi, now with four defeats in six, fall to 15th on 18 points.
Bayelsa United share spoils with Katsina
Bayelsa United were held to a 1–1 draw after Ifeanyi Ogba converted a seventh-minute penalty before Azeez Falolu equalised for Katsina just before the break.
Bayelsa remain 11th on 20 points, while Katsina stay 8th on 21 points.
Wolves hand Nasarawa shocking defeat
Wolves delivered one of the biggest surprises of the matchday by beating former table-toppers Nasarawa United 1–0.
Othuke Egbo struck inside five minutes, and the Seasiders defended bravely to claim the win.
Wolves jump to 6th on 22 points, while Nasarawa drop to second—level on 27 points with Ikorodu City.
Kun Khalifat shock Plateau
Kun Khalifat snapped a five-game winless run with a confident 2–0 victory over Plateau United.
Lekan Gabriel broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, and Henry Ezeonye buried a penalty midway through the second half.
The home side rise to 16th with 17 points. Plateau United, now on back-to-back defeats, tumble to 19th with 15 points.
Still to play
Rivers United will host Kano Pillars later on Wednesday to round up the matchday.
The title race continues to tighten across the top six, while battles at the bottom intensify with Kun Khalifat, Barau, Plateau United, and Bendel Insurance all fighting to escape danger.
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