Matchday 23 of the Nigerian Premier Football League delivered tight contests, surprise results and several narrow victories as the title race and relegation battle continued to intensify across the country.
A series of matches played on Thursday underlined just how competitive the NPFL remains, with most games decided by fine margins and several ending goalless.
Home advantage once again proved significant, while one of the league’s bottom sides recorded a crucial upset.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United and Niger Tornadoes shared the points after a balanced but low-key encounter that ended 0-0.
Clear chances were scarce, with neither side able to find the breakthrough despite periods of pressure.
At the other end of the table, bottom-placed Kun Khalifat produced one of the standout results of the round by defeating Kwara United 1-0.
Playing in front of their supporters, Kun Khalifat claimed three valuable points that could prove vital in their fight to climb away from danger.
Lagos also witnessed a closely fought contest, where Ikorodu City edged past Shooting Stars by a single goal.
The 1-0 victory reflected a disciplined performance and allowed the hosts to maintain momentum in a congested mid-table.
In Warri, Warri Wolves continued to capitalise on home conditions with a narrow 1-0 win over Remo Stars.
The reigning champions have endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign, and the defeat further highlighted their ongoing struggles this season.
Elsewhere, Bendel Insurance and Barau FC were unable to break the deadlock, finishing their encounter goalless in a match that rounded off the day’s fixtures.
Earlier matches had already set the tone for Matchday 23.
Plateau United secured a notable win over Enugu Rangers, while Nasarawa United and Enyimba played out a 1-1 draw in Lafia.
The fixture between Rivers United and El Kanemi Warriors, however, was postponed and will be rearranged at a later date.
With several matches ending by one-goal margins and multiple draws recorded, the latest round once again reinforced the unpredictability of the NPFL.
As the season progresses, every point continues to carry added significance for clubs chasing continental places or battling to avoid relegation.
Full results – NPFL matchday 23
- Kano Pillars 1–0 Katsina United
- Abia Warriors 1–1 Wikki Tourists
- Board United 2–1 Enugu Rangers
- Nasarawa United 1–1 Enyimba
- Bayelsa United 0–0 Niger Tornadoes
- Kun Khalifat 1–0 Kwara United
- Ikorodu City 1–0 Shooting Stars
- Warri Wolves 1–0 Remo Stars
- Bendel Insurance 0–0 Barau FC
- Rivers United vs El Kanemi Warriors (postponed)
