Nigerian Football
Bendel Insurance’s Big Statement, Rangers Rise as Leaders Slip In NPFL
Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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Remo Stars F.C. have announced the appointment of Usman Abdallah as the club’s new Technical Adviser, with immediate effect.
In a press statement released by the club, the Sky Blue Stars described the move as a significant step toward elevating performance standards and strengthening their competitive ambitions.
Abd’Allah arrives with extensive technical and academic credentials. He holds a UEFA Pro Licence and advanced degrees in football coaching and team management from Le CREPS de Montpellier in France. He is also certified under Singapore’s National Coaching Accreditation Programme (NCAP) Level 1 and possesses the prestigious LaLiga Coaching Certificate.
He is credited with broad experience across continents. As a seasoned tactician, Abd’Allah has managed clubs across Asia and France, combining international exposure with deep knowledge of Nigerian football.
On the domestic scene, he previously served as Technical Adviser of Enyimba F.C., guiding the club to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, where they narrowly lost to Morocco’s Raja Casablanca.
He also led Enyimba to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title in the 2018/19 season.
Abd’Allah has also worked with Kano Pillars F.C. as assistant coach and youth team overseer, and served as assistant coach of the Nigeria national football team under former head coach Jose Peseiro.
New Era for the Sky Blue Stars
Remo Stars expressed confidence that Abd’Allah’s blend of international certification, continental experience and understanding of the Nigerian league landscape positions him well to lead the club into its next phase.
The club said it looks forward to “exciting moments” under his leadership as preparations intensify for upcoming domestic and continental engagements.
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Speculation linking Nigeria’s Super Eagles manager with a possible move to France has been effectively laid to rest following Olympique de Marseille’s appointment of former club captain Habib Beye as their new head coach.
Habib Beye is now to handle Olympique de Marseille. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Olympique de Marseille confirmed on Wednesday that Beye, 48, will take charge of the Ligue 1 side just over a week after he was dismissed by Rennes following a run of poor results and reported disagreements with some players.
Beye, who captained Marseille during his playing career between 2003 and 2007, also had spells in the English Premier League with Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
His first match in charge will be a Ligue 1 fixture against Brest on Friday. Marseille currently sit fourth in the French top flight, 12 points behind leaders Lens.
The appointment follows the departure of former coach Roberto De Zerbi, who left the club by mutual consent after a heavy 5–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and elimination from the UEFA Champions League.
Marseille remain active in the Coupe de France and are scheduled to face Toulouse in the quarter-finals on March 4.
The confirmation of Beye’s appointment clarifies Marseille’s managerial direction and puts to rest rumours suggesting that Nigeria’s national team coach could be on the verge of taking over at the French club.
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