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Matchday 9 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced dramatic encounters, missed penalties, coaching changes and crucial away wins, with Sporting Lagos, Kano Pillars, Shooting Stars and Niger Tornadoes among the biggest winners of the weekend.
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While Sporting Lagos pulled off a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Plateau United in Jos, Kano Pillars ended their five-game winless streak with a narrow Northern Derby win against Katsina United. On the other hand, the Shooting Stars returned to winning ways, Nasarawa United secured maximum points in Lagos and Enyimba continued their fight for goals, as reported by Sports247.
Shooting Stars opened Matchday 9 on Friday, October 16 with an impressive 3-1 win over newly promoted Ranchers Bees in Ibadan. Desmond Ojietefian gave Oluyole Warriors the lead in the 14th minute before Isah Ndala Aliyu restored parity for the visitors in the 38th minute.
Damilola Akinola put Shooting Stars back in front during first-half stoppage time, scoring in the 45+3 minute. Ranchers Bees goalkeeper Tofa kept his team in contention by saving Sodiq Ibrahim’s penalty in the 52nd minute.
However, Qamar Adegoke produced a brilliant individual effort in the 71st minute, beating his marker before slotting the ball into the net from a difficult angle to seal the victory. The result came as a relief to Shooting Stars coach Salisu Yusuf, but a bigger disappointment to the Ranchers Bees.
Following the defeat, Ranchers Bees announced the departure of technical advisor Usman Abd’Allah and some members of his technical team by mutual agreement. The coach left after 115 days in charge, after registering two wins, two draws and five losses in nine league games.
Kwara United 1-1 Abia Warriors: Missed penalty denies Harmony Boys victory
Kwara United and Abia Warriors shared points in a 1-1 draw in Ilorin on Saturday, October 17. Ali Ferinyaro opened the scoring for the hosts in the 34th minute, but Emmanuel Nnaji equalized for Abia Warriors seven minutes after the restart.
Kwara United had a chance to regain the lead in the 64th minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, Muhammed Alao failed to convert the penalty, allowing the visitors to escape with a valuable point away.
Doma United 1-1 Kun Khalifat FC: Violence overshadows Gombe match
Doma United and Kun Khalifat FC drew 1-1 at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe, but the result was overshadowed by disturbing scenes involving fans.
Kun Khalifat coach Obinna Uzoho and members of his technical team were reportedly subjected to hostile behavior following the match. The incidents subsequently attracted disciplinary action from the NPFL, which imposed fines totaling £5.25m on Doma United.
The Savannah Tigers were also ordered to play their next three home games behind closed doors after repeated security violations.
Rivers United 0-0 Barau FC: Heavy rain interrupts the match in Port Harcourt
Rivers United failed to secure maximum points against visiting Barau FC as their match ended in a goalless draw. Heavy rain disrupted proceedings in Port Harcourt, and the match finally concluded on Monday morning, October 19.
Despite their efforts, Rivers United could not find the breakthrough needed to overcome their visitors. Barau FC left with a valuable point.
Niger Tornados 2-1 Ikorodu City: Minna hosts Edge Oga Boys
The Niger Tornadoes recorded an important 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City, with former Oga Boys goalkeeper Derrick Julu putting in an impressive performance against his former club.
Nafiu Obalowu opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Bashir Musa doubled the Tornadoes’ lead in the 82nd minute. Basit Ayinde reduced the lead for Ikorodu City in the third minute of added time, but the visitors were unable to complete the comeback. The victory ensured that Niger Tornadoes got the three points.
Inter Lagos 0-2 Nasarawa United: Solid miners punish hosts
Nasarawa United recorded a convincing 2-0 away victory over Inter Lagos despite the home team’s recent change of coach.
Kelechi Ogbodo opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving the Solid Miners control. Ugochukwu Leonard doubled the lead in the 40th minute, leaving Inter Lagos with a difficult task before the break.
Nasarawa United maintained their lead throughout the second half to secure an important away victory.
Enyimba 0-0 Warri Wolves: Goal problems continue in Aba
Nine-time Nigerian league champions Enyimba FC endured another frustrating afternoon after a goalless draw against Warri Wolves in Aba.
Despite creating opportunities, the People’s Elephant failed to take advantage of its opportunities. The result highlighted Enyimba’s continuing struggles in front of goal as they lost valuable points at home.
Kano Pillars 1-0 Katsina United: Yahaya Ibrahim settles into Northern Derby
Kano Pillars ended their five-game winless streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Katsina United in Kano.
Yahaya Ibrahim scored the decisive goal in the sixth minute, causing the home fans to celebrate. The opening goal proved enough as Sai Masu Gida defended their lead to take maximum points and keep a clean sheet.
Ibrahim was later named Man of the Match after his impressive contribution. Technical advisor Daniel Ogunmodede praised his players for their fighting spirit and described the victory as an important response to the pressure surrounding the team.
Plateau United 2-3 Sporting Lagos: Visitors complete spectacular comeback
Sporting Lagos produced one of the standout performances of Matchday 9, coming from behind to defeat Plateau United 3-2 in Jos.
Aliyu Baba opened the scoring for Sporting Lagos in the 10th minute. However, Victor Dawa scored twice for Plateau United, equalizing in the 35th minute before putting the hosts ahead in first-half stoppage time.
Sporting Lagos responded strongly after the break, and in-form Victor Samuel restored parity in the 53rd minute. Jacob Aondona then produced the decisive moment in the 83rd minute, scoring the winning goal to complete an impressive comeback.
The victory also made Sporting Lagos the first NPFL team this season to reach double figures in points away from home, collecting 10 points on their travels.
Rangers International vs Bendel Insurance: Match postponed
The NPFL match between Rangers International and Bendel Insurance in Enugu has been postponed due to Rangers’ continental commitment.
The Flying Antelopes participated in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round match against Algerian side MC Alger in Abeokuta on Sunday, October 18. Rangers claimed a 2-0 victory in the first leg, giving them an advantage heading into the second leg.
NPFL matchday 9 results at a glance
Shooting stars| 3-1| livestock bees
Kwara Kingdom | 1-1| Abia Warriors
United Dressage| 1-1| Kun Khalifat FC
United Rivers| 0-0| Barau FC
Tornadoes in Niger| 2-1| Ikorodu Town
Between Lagos| 0-2| Nasarawa United
Enyimba FC| 0-0| Warri Wolves
Kano Pillars| 1-0| Katsina United
United Plateau| 23| sports lakes
International Ranger | Postponed| Bendel Insurance
Sporting Lagos achieved one of the most significant results of the weekend, showing resilience to overturn a half-time deficit against Plateau United.
Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars also enjoyed important victories after difficult periods, while Ranchers Bees’ struggles resulted in a managerial exit.
Nasarawa United’s victory over Inter Lagos highlighted their effectiveness away from home, while Enyimba’s inability to score continued to raise questions about their attacking performance.
However, the Gombe incidents eerily reminded us of the importance of safety and fan discipline in Nigerian football.
With nine matches completed and Rangers International’s match against Bendel Insurance postponed, NPFL Matchday 9 provided plenty of drama, significant results and new talking points as the 2026/27 campaign gathers momentum.
