NPFL round-up: Finidi hits new Rivers United record, Ahmed Musa hero for Kano Pillars

Nine matches were played on Sunday in Week 29 of the 2025-26 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, with plenty of goals and important moments across the country.

Afrik-Foot followed the action closely as teams battled for points at both ends of the table.

Rangers 4-1 Remo Stars

The biggest win of the matchday came at the Cathedral in Enugu, where Rangers defeated struggling Remo Stars 4-1.

Kenneth Igboke gave the home side the perfect start, scoring just three minutes into the game. Chidozie Iwandu then doubled Rangers’ lead midway through the first half.

Remo Stars, the reigning champions, pulled one goal back shortly before halftime through Frank Kingue. But Rangers remained in control.

Wisdom Ebirim restored the two-goal cushion in the 77th minute, and Igboke completed his brace deep into stoppage time to seal an impressive win.

Katsina United 1-2 Kwara United

The only away victory of the round came at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

Ismail Muhd gave Katsina United the lead after 18 minutes following a strong start by the hosts.

However, their advantage lasted only four minutes as Johnmark Aule quickly equalised for Kwara United. The visitors kept pushing and finally found the winner right on the stroke of 90 minutes.

The victory also marked Kwara United’s first away win of the season.

Kano Pillars 1-0 Barau FC

Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa proved decisive for Kano Pillars in their derby clash against Barau FC.

After a goalless first half, Musa produced a superb strike from outside the box in the 57th minute. His goal was enough to secure a 1-0 win for Sai Masu Gida.

AHMED MUSA‼️

What a well-worked corner routine! Barau FC were caught sleeping and punished.

A beautiful strike from the legend puts Kano Pillars in front in the Kano derby.#NPFL26 #PILBAR pic.twitter.com/v3HkdkK7UB

— NPFL News 🇳🇬 (@NPFL_News) March 8, 2026

Abia Warriors 2-0 Shooting Stars

Emeka Obioma was the star as Abia Warriors defeated Shooting Stars 2-0.

The striker opened the scoring in the 18th minute, registering his 50th career NPFL goal and joining an elite group of players who have reached that milestone.

He added his second goal in the 55th minute to wrap up the victory.

Plateau United dominate as Rivers United stay top

Plateau United 3-0 Niger Tornadoes

Plateau United delivered a strong performance to beat Niger Tornadoes 3-0 in Jos.

BRILLIANT FINISH‼️

Vincent Temitope converts a beautifully worked team move to put his side ahead in #PLATOR.

What a finish!#NPFL26 pic.twitter.com/5J3SaKQVIi

— NPFL News 🇳🇬 (@NPFL_News) March 8, 2026

Temitope Vincent put the home side ahead in the 7th minute with a brilliant shot into the top corner for his eighth goal of the campaign.

Isaiah Sunday 🎯 #PLATOR pic.twitter.com/zgFEbsFwpF

— PlateauUnitedFC (@plateau_united) March 8, 2026

Isaiah Sunday doubled the lead on 38 minutes after finishing off a fast counter-attack with a well-placed effort. Nenrot Silas added the third goal deep into second-half stoppage time.

Warri Wolves 2-1 Enyimba

Warri Wolves secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Enyimba.

Qudus Olayinola opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute. Five minutes later, Latti Yusuf made it 2-0 for the hosts.

Enyimba managed to pull one back in stoppage time when Chidera Michael converted a penalty, but Wolves held on for the win.

Kun Khalifat 1-0 Bayelsa United

Kun Khalifat claimed a narrow victory over Bayelsa United thanks to Uchechukwu Onuoha.

The forward scored the only goal of the match just before halftime to give his side a 1-0 win.

Nasarawa United 1-0 Ikorodu City

Bright Amadi’s late goal secured a 1-0 win for Nasarawa United against Ikorodu City.

The result lifted Nasarawa United above their opponents into third place on the table, while Ikorodu City dropped to fifth.

Rivers United 3-1 Bendel Insurance

League leaders Rivers United continued their strong form with a 3-1 victory over Bendel Insurance in Port Harcourt.

Wisdom Samuel nearly opened the scoring early on when his header hit the crossbar. But the breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Chijioke Mbaoma headed home from an Iyowuna Douglas corner.

Samuel then doubled the lead ten minutes from time, again assisted by Douglas.

Bendel Insurance briefly threatened a comeback with a goal in the 89th minute. However, Samson Obi quickly restored Rivers United’s two-goal advantage after reacting to a rebound from Seyi Oguntayo.

Head coach Finidi George will be pleased with the performance, as it means Rivers United have scored three goals in back-to-back league matches for the first time since he took charge in 2024.

The win keeps Rivers United top of the NPFL table with 52 points, having played two games fewer than second-placed Rangers, who have 50 points.