NPFL

NPFL Matchday 35 roundup: Goals flow, shocks land as title and survival battles intensify

By Onukpa Chukwudi

Posted on April 20, 2026

Matchday 35 of the Nigerian Premier Football League delivered exactly what it promised drama, goals and defining moments at both ends of the table.

A staggering 31 goals were scored across 10 centres, making it one of the most entertaining rounds of the season. Home teams largely held their ground with seven wins, alongside one draw and two away victories but those away wins carried serious consequences.

The round kicked off with a clash between Wikki Tourist and Bendel Insurance a game that meant everything for the hosts fighting relegation.

Bendel Insurance stunned the home crowd, taking the lead just three minutes into kickoff. Wikki responded with an equaliser 20 minutes later to restore parity at halftime, but the visitors struck again with a well worked team move to seal a 2-1 away victory.

For Wikki, it was another painful setback that leaves them stuck deep in the relegation zone.

In Enugu, Rangers International came from behind to defeat rivals Enyimba 2-1 in a fiercely contested Oriental derby.
Former Rangers man Wonah Williams gave Enyimba the lead early in the second half, but the Flying Antelopes responded with authority.

Defender Chidozie Iwundu now the NPFL’s highest-scoring defender with nine goals levelled in the 61st minute, before Ifeanyi Onyebuchi completed the turnaround seven minutes later.

The result sends Rangers top of the NPFL table, at a crucial stage of the season.

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One of the standout stories of Matchday 35 came in Maiduguri, where Shooting Stars stunned El Kanemi Warriors with a dramatic 2-1 away win.

The hosts went ahead through John Zakka in the 25th minute, but Shooting Stars responded immediately after the break.

Qamar Adegoke equalised in the 46th minute before completing his brace with a late winner in the 86th minute.

The result ended El Kanemi’s one-year unbeaten home run, a streak spanning 20 matches since April 2025 a statement victory for the Oluyole Warriors, who are now unbeaten in their last four meetings against their hosts.

Defending champions Remo Stars continued their strong run with a commanding 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.
Victor Mbaoma opened the scoring early, before Olamilekan Adedayo and Samuel Anakwe sealed a comfortable win.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors edged Ikorodu City 2-1, with goals from Paul Samson and Valentine Ugwu proving decisive despite a response from Aderemi Adeoye.

Meanwhile, Kwara United secured a 2-1 win over Barau FC in Lagos. Toheeb Gidado and Saheed Olaniyi (penalty) put the hosts in control before Joseph Atule pulled one back.

Nasarawa United were dominant in a 3-0 win over Warri Wolves, with Victor Chimezie, Ngei Oluka-Efor and Habibu Alakija all on target.
But in Kano, the drama came late.

Kano Pillars edged Rivers United 2-1 in a pulsating finish that summed up Rivers’ struggles on the road.

Abdullahi Musa broke the deadlock in the 81st minute before Rivers United equalised through Handsome Surveyor in the 89th minute.

Then, deep into stoppage time, veteran forward Ahmed Musa stepped up to win it once again underlining his enduring influence at the club, both on and off the pitch.

Plateau held as newcomers fight back
In Plateau State, Plateau United were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-side Kun Khalifat.

The NPFL debutants shocked the hosts early through Mmesoma Nnorom in the 6th minute, before Plateau responded with an equaliser from Alao Dabani but could not find a winner.