The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 15 delivered excitement across the country, but the major headline was undoubtedly the Oriental derby at Aba Township Stadium.
While Enyimba and Rangers clashed in an intense derby, Ikorodu City reclaimed the top spot from Nasarawa United for the second time this season, Footballrover reports.
Breakdown of Events in NPFL Matchday 15
Enyimba Edge Rangers in Fiery Oriental Derby
Enyimba narrowly defeated Rangers 2–1 at the Elephant Park in Aba. Chidera Michael broke the deadlock just before halftime, giving the People’s Elephant the lead.
In the second half, Stanley Dimgba doubled the advantage nine minutes from time, seemingly sealing the win.
However, Rangers fought back, with Kenechukwu Agu pulling one back deep into stoppage time, adding late drama.
Despite the scare, the Aba Elephant held on for a crucial derby victory, returning to winning ways after a draw and two successive defeats.
They move up to 9th place with 20 points, while the Flying Antelopes slip to 7th with 22 points, having lost two of their last three matches.
Bendel Insurance Hit Wikki Tourists for Three
Bendel Insurance secured their biggest victory of the season so far after defeating Wikki Tourists 3–0 at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Chinedu Nwosu gave Kennedy Boboye’s side an early lead in the 16th minute, with Emmanuel Dung and Emmanuel Akpan adding goals in the second half.
The Benin Gunners are now unbeaten in three matches, moving to 17th place with 16 points from 14 games.
While the Bauchi Tourists drop to 12th with 20 points after going winless in their last two outings.
Niger Tornadoes Halt Remo Stars’ Momentum
At Bako Kotangora Stadium in Minna, Niger Tornadoes ended NPFL defending champions Remo Stars’ two games winning streak with a 1–0 victory.
Former Enyimba striker Clinton Jephta scored after just two minutes, giving Tornadoes their second win in five matches.
The victory lifts the Minna Boys to third with 23 points, while their Ikenne counterparts remain in 13th spot with 19 points.
Barau Shock Kwara United in 5-Goal Thriller
Barau FC thrilled their home fans with a shocking 3–2 win over Kwara United at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
Usman Maidubji’s retaken free-kick opened the scoring before Chibuzor Ogbodo Eze equalised for Kwara.
Mohammed Umar restored Barau’s lead, but another error allowed Kwara to level again. Stanley Oganbor’s 90th-minute header sealed the victory.
The win marks the Maliya Boys fourth of the season, moving them to 18th with 16 points. The Harmony Boys, now winless in four matches, drop to 14th with 18 points.
“We were punished for not taking our chances,” said Kwara coach Ashifat Suleiman.
Shooting Stars Grind Out Win vs El-Kanemi
Shooting Stars claimed a hard-fought 1–0 win over El-Kanemi thanks to Ismail Ayodele’s 29th-minute strike. The Ibadan side held off a late push from the visitors to earn all three points.
The Akure Gunners rebound from two defeats and two draws, moving to 10th with 20 points, while Maiduguri Warriors suffer back-to-back losses, falling to 15th with 18 points.
Bayelsa United, Katsina United Share the Spoils
Bayelsa United and Katsina United played out a 1–1 draw. Ifeanyi Ogba converted a 7th-minute penalty for Bayelsa, but Azeez Falolu equalised for Katsina in the 36th minute.
Bayelsa remain in 11th with 20 points after consecutive draws, while Katsina hold 8th with 21 points, maintaining a two-game unbeaten run.
Ikorodu City Go Top Again
Ikorodu City defeated Abia Warriors 1–0 at home, thanks to Chidera Oparaocha’s 69th-minute strike.
The win lifts the Oga Boys back to the top of the table for the second time this season with 27 points. Abia Warriors drop to 5th with 23 points.
Wolves Stun Nasarawa United
Wolves stunned league leaders Nasarawa United with a 1–0 win, courtesy of Othuke Egbo’s 5th-minute goal.
The Seasiders climb to 6th with 22 points, while the Solid Miners drop to second, level on points with the new table leaders after their fourth defeat of the season.
Kun Khalifat Break Plateau United
Kun Khalifat secured a 2–0 victory over Plateau United. Lekan Gabriel opened the scoring in the 47th minute, with Henry Ezeonye sealing the win from the penalty spot in the 70th.
The win ends the Owerri Boys five-game winless run, moving them to 16th with 17 points. Meanwhile, the Peace Boys suffer back-to-back defeats, dropping to 19th with 15 points.
Coming Up
Rivers United will host Kano Pillars later this Wednesday.
NPFL Matchday 15 Results at a Glance
– Enyimba 2–1 Enugu Rangers
– Bendel Insurance 3–0 Wikki Tourists
– Niger Tornadoes 1–0 Remo Stars
– Barau FC 3–2 Kwara United
– Shooting Stars 1–0 El-Kanemi Warriors
– Bayelsa United 1–1 Katsina United
– Ikorodu City 1–0 Abia Warriors
– Warri Wolves 1–0 Nasarawa United
– Kun Khalifat 2–0 Plateau United
Standings: A Close Race for Top Spot After NPFL Matchday 15
Standings: Struggle at the Bottom After NPFL Matchday 15
What’s Next After NPFL Matchday 15
Rivers United vs Kano Pillars — midweek test for Rivers as they juggle continental duties.
Ikorodu City have to defend top spot with tricky fixtures with Wikki Tourists.
Nasarawa United will look to bounce back and reclaim sole leadership when they host Shooting Stars
Relegation battle intensifies: Barau, Bendel and Plateau all need points fast.
The race up top is razor-close and the dogfight at the bottom is getting louder — every point from here matters.
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Last Updated on December 1, 2025 10:54 pm by footballrover













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