The 2024/25 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season produced a weekend of electrifying matches, with Abia Warriors clinching their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup ticket in a dramatic comeback, while Ikorodu City suffered a crushing defeat in Ikenne.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors overturned a 1-0 halftime deficit against Elkanemi Warriors, with Mukhtar Ismail’s 45th-minute goal silenced by Adejoh Ojonugwa’s 54th-minute equalizer and Emmanuel Ogbuagu’s 70th-minute header, securing a 2-1 victory and a historic continental berth.
At the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikorodu City’s early lead through Tosin Oyedokun (16’) was erased by a rampant Remo Stars. Sikiru Alimi (38’), Ibrahim Shuaibu (41’), Babatunde Bello (47’), and Olamilekan Adedayo (68’) powered a 4-1 rout, halting the newly promoted side’s fairytale run.
In Ilorin, Kwara United confirmed their NPFL survival with a 3-1 win over Rivers United. Issa Gata (40’) and a Wasiu Alalade brace (49’, 81’) outshone Ubong Friday’s late penalty (90’) for the visitors.
Rangers International dazzled in Enugu, thrashing Katsina United 4-0. Godwin Obaje’s double (13’, 26’ PEN), Isaac Saviour’s 78th-minute strike, and Chimobi Igwilo’s stoppage-time goal capped a commanding performance.
Nasarawa United edged Enyimba 3-2 in a thrilling Lafia encounter. Shina Kumater (6’) and Anas Yusuf (30’ PEN) gave the hosts a lead, but an Emmanuel Utake own goal (33’) and Ekene Awazie’s penalty (62’) leveled the score. Idris Ajiya’s 65th-minute strike restored Nasarawa’s lead, sparking wild celebrations.
In Ijebu Ode, Niger Tornadoes’ 2-1 upset over Sunshine Stars condemned the Owena Waves to relegation. Meanwhile, Kano Pillars dashed Shooting Stars’ continental hopes with a 3-1 victory, driven by Ahmed Musa’s brace (50’, 85’) and Naziru Auwalu Ibrahim’s penalty (62’). Alex Aghahowa’s 58th-minute goal was Shooting Stars’ only response.
Akwa United rounded off the weekend with a 2-0 win over Bayelsa United, courtesy of Endurance Ebedebiri’s penalty (22’) and Kabir Osoba’s stoppage-time strike.