The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 13 produced drama, upsets, and historic moments, highlighted by Ikorodu City moving to the summit of the table for the first time in their history.
Bendel Insurance thrilled home fans in a stoppage-time comeback, while Rivers United and Bayelsa United also delivered key victories to keep the league competitive, Footballrover reports.
Breakdown of Events in NPFL Matchday 13
Ikorodu City Make History at Onikan
The Mobolaji Johnson Arena witnessed a watershed moment. From September 8th, 2024—the day Ikorodu City kicked a ball in their first-ever NPFL match—to November 16th, 2025, when they ended the week at the top of the league table, the transformation has been dramatic.
A cagey first half gave way to fireworks after the interval. Joseph Arumala broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half, sparking a surge that saw Alade Balogun double the lead six minutes later.
Plateau United refused to fold, pulling one back through Wisdom Ndon with 18 minutes left, but the Oga Boys kept their poise and shut the door.
The win extended Ikorodu City’s unbeaten run to eight matches and secured their fourth consecutive home victory. They leapfrogged Nasarawa United to stand alone at the summit on 24 points.
For a club barely in its second NPFL season, this wasn’t just a win—it was an arrival.
Bendel Insurance End Their Winless Run in Style
Benin saw chaos of its own. Bendel Insurance dragged themselves out of a four-game slump with a dramatic 3–2 comeback against Kano Pillars.
Kayode Oke Solomon gave the hosts an early lead, but Pillars flipped the script through Rabiu Ali’s penalty and Chiedozie Okorie’s quick-fire strike.
Insurance refused to crumble. Emmanuel Dung levelled in the 74th minute before Akpan Emmanuel struck in stoppage time to deliver their first win under Kennedy Boboye.
For Pillars, the nightmare deepens — six matches without a win under Mohammed Babaganaru.
Enyimba Fall Again at Home
The People’s Elephant slipped to their second home defeat of the season, losing 1–0 to Wikki Tourists in Aba.
Abubakar Aliyu’s 33rd-minute strike was enough to stun the home crowd and hand Enyimba another frustrating chapter in an already uneven season.
Rivers United Rally in South-South Derby Thriller
Warri Wolves drew first blood when Adebambo Ademola punished a defensive lapse in the 25th minute, but Rivers United turned the contest inside out.
Emmanuel Nnaji danced through two defenders to level things at the half-hour mark, and Samuel Obi pounced on a poorly cleared free kick in the 58th minute to complete the turnaround.
Finidi George’s side are now unbeaten in five, with back-to-back wins strengthening their push toward the summit.
Niger Tornadoes Sweep Aside Katsina United
In Minna, Tornadoes were composed and efficient. Ismail Sarki struck inside 11 minutes, and Abdulrasheed Dabai sealed it in the 66th minute to give Tornadoes a comfortable 2–0 victory and maintain their snarl in the top-five chase.
Bayelsa United Outfight Abia Warriors
Bayelsa United maintained their momentum with a 2–1 home win.
Chinedu Sunday opened the scoring early. Sunday Megwo equalised just before halftime, but Chinedu Emmanuel restored Bayelsa’s lead shortly after the hour.
A strong, disciplined finish carried them over the line.
Nasarawa United Slip from First After Draw at Kun Khalifat
Nasarawa United entered Week 13 at the summit but left it in second place after being held 1–1 by Kun Khalifat.
Last season’s top scorer Anas Yusuf put them ahead in 15 minutes, but Stanley Otu’s equaliser 25 minutes from time proved decisive in reshaping the table.
El-Kanemi Warriors End Kwara United’s Unbeaten Run
Kwara United’s seven-game unbeaten run came to a halt in Maiduguri.
Muktar Ismail smashed home the opener from a rebound in the 37th minute, and Daddy AbdulRahman doubled the lead late on.
Kwara hit the woodwork and carved out chances, but wastefulness cost them. They drop to 12th after 13 matches.
Remaining Fixtures
Barau FC will host Rangers International on Monday behind closed doors, while Shooting Stars vs Remo Stars has been postponed.
NPFL Matchday 13 Results at a Glance
– Bendel Insurance 3–2 Kano Pillars
– Niger Tornadoes 2–0 Katsina United
– Enyimba 0–1 Wikki Tourists
– Bayelsa United 2–1 Abia Warriors
– Ikorodu City 2–1 Plateau United
– Rivers United 2–1 Warri Wolves
– Kun Khalifat 1–1 Nasarawa United
– El-Kanemi Warriors 2–0 Kwara United
Standings: A Close Race for Top Spot After NPFL Matchday 13
Standings: Struggle at the Bottom After NPFL Matchday 13
What’s Next After NPFL Matchday 13?
Ikorodu City visit Kano Pillars in a thrilling clash to test their top-spot credentials.
Nasarawa United welcome El Kanemi Warriors in Lafia in a chance to reclaim first place.
Rivers United travel to face CAF Champions League in search of their first continental glory
Bayelsa United face Wikki Tourist after their recent morale-boosting victory.
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