The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) week 13 delivered yet another usual collection of scattered results, drama, late twists, and surprising end—but one story towered above the rest.
Ikorodu City are top of the Nigeria Premier Football League for the first time in their existence.
Spotlight of NPFL week 13: Ikorodu City 2–1 Plateau United
On a weekend where two title hopefuls dropped points and mid-table teams scrambled for identity, the Oga Boys played with clarity, courage and conviction.
Their 2–1 win over Plateau United wasn’t just another result—it felt like a landmark moment in a project that has moved steadily from novelty to genuine contender.
Recall that last season, they impressed many Nigerians when the team finished 4th on the table, narrowly missing out on continental games. Now they are fighting tooth and nail to hit that landmark.
This was the weekend the league finally had to say it out loud: Ikorodu City are no longer a feel-good story—they are now a huge problem for other teams.
A win that rewrites expectations
Back in September 2024, the club played their first-ever NPFL match. Fast forward to
In November 2025, they are now top of the league.
The leap is astonishing, but watching them against Plateau United, it didn’t feel accidental. It felt earned.
Plateau arrived in Lagos with pedigree, physicality and experience, but Ikorodu imposed themselves with a maturity far beyond their age in the top flight.
After a tense opening half—one full of half-chances and tactical probing—the game opened like a dropped curtain.
The moment Mobolaji Johnson Arena erupted
Two minutes after the restart, Joseph Arumala broke the deadlock with the kind of goal that rewards persistence more than flair.
Six minutes later, Alade Balogun doubled the advantage, punishing Plateau’s defensive hesitation.
By the time Plateau United responded through Wisdom Ndon, the hosts already had full grip on the match.
The atmosphere behind the surge
Ikorodu City’s form at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena has become one of the defining stories of the season.
- Four straight home wins.
- Eight games unbeaten.
- A squad playing without fear
- and of course, a fanbase growing by the week.
The title race is still too early to call, but NPFL week 13 might be remembered as the moment Ikorodu City stopped being talked about as new boys and started being talked about as leaders—the real Oga Boys.
Other key games from NPFL week 13
Bendel Insurance 3–2 Kano Pillars — A comeback that saves Boboye’s breath
Kennedy Boboye’s first win had to come with drama. Insurance came from behind, surviving a frantic Pillars surge before Akpan Emmanuel struck in stoppage time.
The win ends a worrying four-match drought. Pillars, meanwhile, remain locked in early-season turbulence — six games without victory.
Enyimba 0–1 Wikki Tourists — Aba falls silent again
A second home defeat of the season for Enyimba, undone by Abubakar Aliyu’s composed finish. A small result on paper, a big statement for a Wikki Tourists side that needed belief.
Niger Tornadoes 2–0 Katsina United — Professional, efficient, deserved
Ismail Sarki and Abdulrasheed Dabai delivered the goals; Tornadoes delivered the control. They stay firmly in the top-five conversation.
Kun Khalifat 1–1 Nasarawa United — Missed chance for the former leaders
Nasarawa United lost top spot after failing to protect Anas Yusuf’s early strike. The equaliser from Stanley Otu means they now chase Ikorodu City instead of setting the pace.
Rivers United 2–1 Warri Wolves — Finidi’s momentum is gathering
A shaky defensive moment put them behind, but the response was swift and sharp. Emmanuel Nnaji dribbled out two defenders for the leveller before Samuel Obi completed the turnaround.
Five games unbeaten — and looking more like themselves again.
Bayelsa United 2–1 Abia Warriors — Early pressure, late control
Chinedu Sunday and Chinedu Emmanuel scored on a day where Bayelsa showed character. Abia Warriors will feel they missed an opportunity to stay closer to the summit.
El-Kanemi 2–0 Kwara United — Unbeaten run ends painfully
Kwara United played with intensity but lacked execution. El-Kanemi were clinical, scoring through Muktar Ismail and Daddy AbdulRahman, while the woodwork and missed chances haunted the visitors.
Barau vs Rangers – Monday (behind closed doors)
Shooting Stars vs Remo Stars – Postponed
Standings: NPFL week 13, top of table
Ikorodu City – 24
Nasarawa United – 24
Rivers United – 23
Abia Warriors – 22
Niger Tornadoes – 20
Standings: NPFL week 13 bottom of table
Remo Stars – 13
Bendel Insurance – 12
Barau FC – 10
Kano Pillars – 6
What’s next after NPFL week 13?
Ikorodu City now enters a new phase — the phase where teams stop admiring their rise and start plotting to hold on to it.
Their next fixtures will be away, against Kano Pillars, who are seriously struggling right now. Ikorodu will find out whether this leadership moment is a spark or the start of something historic.
For Nasarawa United, Rivers United, Abia Warriors and Tornadoes, the chase is now real. For Kano Pillars and Remo Stars, the alarm bells are no longer gentle.
Leave a comment