Match-day 5 of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered a weekend of thrilling encounters and dramatic comebacks, solidifying Enyimba’s position at the top of the table while other teams battled for crucial points.
Enyimba, the nine-time NPFL champions, continued their impressive start to the season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over their traditional rivals, Bendel Insurance. The pulsating match, played in front of a passionate home crowd in Aba, saw Bendel Insurance draw first blood with an early goal from Chinedu Nwosu. However, Enyimba responded swiftly with an equalizer from Abiodun Joseph, only for Bendel Insurance to regain the lead through Wisdom Udom. Undeterred, Enyimba rallied again, leveling the score with a penalty from Kalu Nweke before Chidera Michael secured the winning goal, maintaining their unbeaten streak and their position at the summit of the league table.
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan finally registered their first win of the season, overcoming newly-promoted Kun Khalifat FC with a 2-1 scoreline. Goals from Gali Falke and Sodiq Ibrahim propelled 3SC to a comfortable lead before Kun Khalifat managed a late consolation goal from Henry Ezeonye. This victory will provide a much-needed boost for 3SC as they aim to climb up the league standings.
Niger Tornadoes showcased their attacking prowess in a high-scoring encounter against Ikorodu City, emerging victorious with a commanding 4-2 win. A rapid-fire three-goal burst within the first 20 minutes from Ismail Sarki, Abba Khalid, and Abdulaziz Dalhatu put Tornadoes firmly in control. Although Ikorodu City managed to pull a goal back through Musa Maliq, Tornadoes extended their lead with a goal from Shehu Dabai. A late penalty by Tosin Oyedokun provided some consolation for Ikorodu City, but the damage had already been done.
Bayelsa United suffered their second consecutive home defeat, falling 2-1 to Nasarawa United. Despite taking the lead through Mustapha Jawad, Bayelsa United were pegged back by an equalizer from Ekeson Okrorie before halftime. Collins Onovuke then delivered the decisive blow for Nasarawa United, scoring a late winner to condemn Bayelsa United to another disappointing home result.
Several matches were postponed on match-day five, resulting in a fluid situation at the bottom of the table. Newly promoted Barau FC, still searching for their first win of the season, find themselves in the relegation zone alongside Plateau United, Kun Khalifat, and eight-time NPFL champions, Rangers International. The postponed matches will have a significant impact on the relegation battle as the season progresses.
The fifth match-day of the NPFL season provided a captivating display of attacking football, dramatic comebacks, and crucial victories. Enyimba’s resilience and determination ensured their continued dominance at the top of the table, while other teams secured vital wins in their quest for league success. The relegation battle is also taking shape with several teams jostling to avoid the drop. The postponed fixtures will undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue and excitement to the unfolding drama of the NPFL season.
