AFCON 2025
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) featured several thrilling encounters across various venues:
Abia Warriors 1-0 Enugu Rangers
In the Oriental Derby at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia Warriors secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Enugu Rangers. The decisive moment came in the 43rd minute when Ijoma Antoine found the back of the net, ensuring all three points for the home side.
Akwa United 1-1 Rivers United
At the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa United and Rivers United played out a 1-1 draw. Rivers United took an early lead in the 7th minute through Friday Ubong. However, Akwa United responded in the 52nd minute with a goal from Mare Abson, ensuring both teams shared the spoils.
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Kano Pillars
In Akure, Sunshine Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by four-time champions Kano Pillars. Sunshine Stars went in front courtesy of Chigozie Iwundu’s 60th-minute strike, while Eshimitu Gomino leveled for the visitors 14 minutes from time.
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Heartland
At the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, Niger Tornadoes rallied to beat Heartland 2-1. Terdoo Shimagande put Heartland ahead after seven minutes. Ismail Sarki scored twice to hand Tornadoes maximum points.
Bayelsa United 2-2 Nasarawa United
In a high-scoring affair at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa United and Nasarawa United played out a 2-2 draw. Idris Ajiya scored both goals for Nasarawa United, while Bayelsa United got their goals from Rabiu Abdullahi and Ogba Ifeanyi.
El-Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Bendel Insurance
El-Kanemi Warriors and Bendel Insurance played out a 0-0 draw in Maiduguri.
Ikorodu City 2-1 Plateau United
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Ikorodu City FC overcame a scare to beat Plateau United 2-1. Plateau United had drawn first blood in the 38th minute through Albert Hilary’s finish.
Ikorodu City FC responded in the second half, through Abdullahi Olatunji in the 74th minute. The winning goal came in the 80th minute when Tosin Oyedokun slammed in a loose ball to complete the comeback.
Notably, newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, was in attendance, making a surprise visit to watch the match.
Shooting Stars 2-2 Lobi Stars
Lobi Stars FC secured a 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
3SC took the lead in the 17th minute through Joshua Akpan. However, the visitors responded swiftly, with Ossy Martins scoring a quick-fire double to put the visitors in control going into halftime.
In the second half, 3SC intensified their efforts to find an equalizer. Their persistence paid off early in the 51st minute when they leveled the scoreline, after a Sodiq Ibrahim goal. Despite opportunities for both sides, the game concluded in a 2-2 stalemate.
