The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season delivered another weekend of high drama, heart-stopping action, and history-making moments, headlined by Abia Warriors’ stunning comeback victory to secure their first-ever continental ticket.
The Umu Chineke Boys from Umuahia had their backs against the wall after Mukhtar Ismail’s 45th minute strike put El Kanemi Warriors ahead just before halftime. But with grit and guile, Abia Warriors roared back. Adejoh Ojonugwa’s fierce equaliser in the 54th minute set the tone, and Emmanuel Ogbuagu’s towering header in the 70th sealed a famous 2-1 win and their ticket to either the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup.
Although both second placed Rivers United and Abia Warriors, in third. have qualified to play in Africa next season, any of them could still be fielded for either the elite Champions League. For that to happen, the latter will have to beat promotion darlings Ikorodu City on the final Matchday on Sunday 25 May, and hope that Rivers United do not triumph over visiting Nasarawa United. The other scenario that will favour Abia Warriors to represent Nigeria in the Champions League is, if they draw and Rivers United are defeated by a two-goal margin.
The league’s second placed side will join champions Remo Stars to fly Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League, while No. 3 will be registered for the Confederation Cup together with the winners of the Federation Cup.
At the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday, it was a humbling experience for Ikorodu City, whose fairytale run in the debut season in the topflight met a harsh reality. Despite taking an early lead through Tosin Oyedokun in the 16th minute, the Sky Blue Stars of Remo responded with ruthless efficiency. Sikiru Alimi kickstarted the rout in the 38th minute before Ibrahim Shuaibu, Babatunde Bello, and Olamilekan Adedayo added goals in the 41st, 47th, and 68th minutes respectively to complete a commanding 4-1 demolition.
In Ilorin, the Afonja Warriors of Kwara United were merciless against Rivers United. Issa Gata opened the scoring in the 40th minute, followed by a classy brace from Wasiu Alalade (49’, 81’) that took the game beyond reach. Although Ubong Friday pulled one back with a 90th-minute penalty, it was little consolation as Kwara celebrated Premier League safety with gusto.
Enugu’s Flying Antelopes, Rangers, also found their wings in a dominant 4-0 display against Katsina United. Godwin Obaje’s brace (13’, 26’ penalty), Isaac Saviour’s 78th-minute strike, and Chimobi Igwilo’s stoppage-time finish put the result beyond doubt and gave their fans a glimpse of what could’ve been this season.
Nasarawa United survived a rollercoaster clash against Enyimba in Lafia. They went two goals up through Shina Kumater (6’) and Anas Yusuf (30’ PEN), only to be pegged back by an own goal from Emmanuel Utake (33’) and a penalty from Ekene Awazie (62’). But just three minutes later, Idris Ajiya fired home to snatch a thrilling 3-2 win, sending the crowd into raptures.
In Ijebu Ode, Niger Tornadoes pulled off one of the shocks of the round, battling to a hard-fought 2-1 away win over Sunshine Stars — a result that sealed the relegation fate of the Owena Waves.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars proved too strong for Shooting Stars (3SC), ending the Oluyole Warriors’ continental dreams with a comprehensive 3-1 win. A brace from Ahmed Musa (50’, 85’) and a Naziru Auwalu Ibrahim penalty (62’) overpowered 3SC, whose only reply came via Alex Aghahowa in the 58th minute — a lone spark in what has turned into a disappointing end to a promising campaign.
Meanwhile, the Promise Keepers, Akwa United, showed they still had something left in the tank, defeating Bayelsa United 2-0 with goals from Endurance Ebedebiri (22’ PEn) and Kabir Osoba (90+’).
As the penultimate week draws to a close, the NPFL continues to deliver a season filled with twists, underdog triumphs, and fierce battles — setting up a thrilling finale that will be remembered for years to come.
