The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League entered Week Two on Saturday with Bendel Insurance and Shooting Stars sharing a 1-1 draw in Benin. That result has only whetted appetites for what promises to be a thrilling Sunday across the country.
After a cautious opening weekend where defenders and goalkeepers dominated, the NPFL now roars back with eight fixtures spread from Lagos to Jos, Port Harcourt to Yenagoa. Fans are braced for goals, drama, and early statements of intent.
Lagos Spotlight: Ikorodu City vs El-Kanemi Warriors
All eyes will be on Lagos where Ikorodu City play their first NPFL home game of the season against El-Kanemi Warriors at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena under the floodlights (17:30 GMT).
The “Oga Boys” showed grit last weekend by holding Kwara United to a goalless draw in Ilorin. Now, with nine debutants and new coach Ali Kandil, they aim to make Onikan a fortress. Shola Adelani is tipped to return, adding firepower to the frontline.
El-Kanemi, however, arrive in buoyant mood after sweeping aside Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Maiduguri. Kabiru Dogo’s side will miss suspended midfield general Musa Zayyad, but with forwards Al’amin Umar and Daddy Abdulrahman in form, they pose a serious threat. History favours Ikorodu, unbeaten in their two NPFL meetings with the Warriors, including a famous 2-0 win here last season.
Heavyweights on a Mission
Several NPFL giants stumbled on opening day and now return home determined to set the record straight.
- Enyimba vs Niger Tornadoes (Aba)
Stanley Eguma’s Enyimba are under pressure to protect their reputation at home. Tornadoes, boosted by an opening-day victory, will not be fazed, having held the People’s Elephant 1-1 in Aba last season. - Kano Pillars vs Wikki Tourists (Kano)
Sai Masu Gida suffered defeat at Abia Warriors and must bounce back in front of passionate home fans. With veterans Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ali leading the line, nothing but victory will satisfy at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Yet, Wikki arrive with extra motivation under former Pillars boss Abdu Maikaba. - Plateau United vs Katsina United (Jos)
New Plateau coach Shola Adegun seeks redemption after a losing debut. Katsina United face a daunting task, having failed to score or win in their last six visits to Jos. - Rivers United vs Kwara United (Port Harcourt)
The Pride of Rivers welcome Cup holders Kwara United in one of the day’s fiercest contests. Finidi George’s side boast a strong record at home, but Kwara carry the belief of last season’s Cup triumph.
Other Fixtures to Watch
- Warri Wolves vs Rangers: Wolves stunned on the road last weekend and will be eager to claim another scalp against the Flying Antelopes.
- Bayelsa United vs Barau FC: A sentimental homecoming for Barau coach Ladan Bosso, who once managed Bayelsa United. His newcomers face a side buzzing after their opening win.
- Nasarawa United vs Abia Warriors: Both clubs are chasing rhythm after an uneven start, with Lafia expected to produce a tense battle.
Matchday 2 Fixtures
- Saturday, August 30, 2025
- Bendel Insurance 1-1 Shooting Stars
- Sunday, August 31, 2025
- Warri Wolves vs Rangers
- Bayelsa United vs Barau FC
- Enyimba vs Niger Tornadoes
- Kano Pillars vs Wikki Tourists
- Plateau United vs Katsina United
- Rivers United vs Kwara United
- Nasarawa United vs Abia Warriors
- Ikorodu City vs El-Kanemi Warriors (17:30 GMT, Lagos)
- Monday, September 1, 2025
- Kun Khalifat FC vs Remo Stars