NPFL: Unbeaten Rivers United Storm Aba As Leaders Rangers Face Kano Test

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters a pivotal Matchday 8 this weekend, with the title race heating up at the top and pressure mounting at the bottom. All eyes will be on Aba and Kano as the league’s top two sides face tricky away tests.

In what is arguably the standout fixture of the round, second-placed Rivers United — the only unbeaten team left in the division — storm the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba to face Abia Warriors. Rivers United have been defensively resolute, conceding just twice in seven games, and sit one point behind the leaders. Abia Warriors’ coach Imama Amapakabo has publicly urged his side to claim all three points to close the gap at the top, acknowledging that Rivers United’s unbeaten record serves as extra motivation for his players.

Meanwhile, league leaders Enugu Rangers travel to Kano to face Barau FC, aiming to maintain their position at the summit. The Flying Antelopes sit on 16 points following a convincing 3-1 win over Abia Warriors, but they face a wounded opponent in Barau, who were thumped 4-1 by Bendel Insurance last time out. With a crucial CAF Champions League tie against MC Alger on the horizon, Rangers will be desperate to head into that week with their lead intact.

Kano Pillars will be riding high on confidence as they travel to face Plateau United, having extended their unbeaten run to seven matches. The Sai Masu Gida secured a valuable point in Ibadan against Shooting Stars, their first positive result away to 3SC in nine years. They face a Plateau United side that will be eager to respond after a 2-0 defeat to Enyimba last weekend.

Ranchers Bees and Niger Tornadoes, separated by just one point on the league table, will face off in a tactical battle in Kano. Both sides will view this as a crucial opportunity to secure maximum points and strengthen their position in the mid-table standings.

Elsewhere, Ikorodu City host Kwara United at the Onikan Stadium, looking to build on their solid form. In their most recent encounters, Ikorodu City has had the upper hand, including a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kwara United earlier in the season.

Pressure continues to mount on Shooting Stars’ technical adviser, Salisu Yusuf, as his side travels to face Kun Khalifat FC. The Oluyole Warriors have endured a torrid start to the season, managing just one win in seven matches and failing to score in their last two home games.
Their 0-0 draw with Kano Pillars was met with calls for Yusuf’s dismissal from some supporters, and he will be desperate for a positive result against a Kun Khalifat side sitting 19th on the table.

Sporting Lagos will be hoping to put off-field distractions behind them when they host Bendel Insurance. Head coach Jeffrey Buter was recently fined ₦500,000 by the NPFL for comments made about officiating in a previous match. They face a Bendel Insurance side that will be full of confidence after their emphatic 4-1 win over Barau.

Bottom-placed Inter Lagos face a difficult trip to Warri Wolves as they attempt to recover from severe sanctions. The league body deducted three points and three goals, and fined the club N5.25m following an assault on match officials after their Matchday 7 draw with Katsina United. They face a Warri Wolves side that has struggled for goals this season, having scored only three in their opening fixtures.

Finally, Nasarawa United welcome Doma United in a match that could have early implications at the wrong end of the table. Both sides will be looking to secure a vital win to create some separation from the teams in the relegation zone.