By Aderonke Ojo
Goals rained across the country as Matchday 9 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced thrilling encounters and a total of 21 goals in eight games over the weekend.
In Yenagoa, newly promoted Kun Khalifa FC stunned Bayelsa United in front of their home fans at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Uche Moses opened the scoring for the visitors before Jawal Mustapha restored parity for Bayelsa United from the spot in the 62nd minute. However, Olubode Hassan scored late in the game to seal a famous victory for the Owerri-based side.
In Kano, Barau FC came from behind to record a memorable victory over former champions Kano Pillars in the Kano derby. Rabiu Ali had earlier put Pillars ahead, but Yahyah Ibrahim and Stanley Oganbor turned the game around with goals in the 50th and 76th minutes respectively to hand Barau FC all three points.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) continued their impressive home form with a 2-0 win over Abia Warriors. Ayobami Junior opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Qamar Adegoke sealed the victory in the 86th minute to ensure a comfortable win for the Nurudeen Aweroro-led side.
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Ikorodu City halted Nasarawa United’s fine run with a 2-0 victory. Chidera Oparaocha’s 14th-minute strike and Joseph Anumal’s 69th-minute goal ensured the home side secured maximum points.
In Warri, Warri Wolves fought back to claim a 2-1 victory over Enyimba International. The Wolves took the lead courtesy of an own goal from Mohammed Hussaini in the 18th minute before Edidion Ezekiel equalized for the People’s Elephant close to the half-hour mark. However, Tejiri Emonena’s 67th-minute finish proved decisive, sealing all three points for the Warri-based outfit.
At the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, Niger Tornadoes thrashed Plateau United 4-0 in one of the weekend’s biggest results. Abdulaziz Dalhatu bagged a hat-trick, while Tediro Shimagande added a fourth in the 90th minute to complete the rout.
In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors displayed a vintage performance to edge Wikki Tourists 2-1. Jonas Emmanuel and Samade Bello struck early in the 7th and 36th minutes respectively, before Usman Abdullahi reduced the deficit on the stroke of halftime.
Meanwhile, in Ilorin, Kwara United secured a vital 1-0 win over Katsina United thanks to a late stunner from Ibrahim Yahyah. The right-back fired home from distance eight minutes from time to end the Harmony Boys’ winless streak.
The NPFL action resumes next weekend with Matchday 10 fixtures as teams continue their battle for supremacy in the 2025/26 season.