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Matchday 3 of the 2024–25 NPFL delivered intriguing contests across the league:
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Remo Stars secured a 1-0 home win over Wolves, with Samson Olasupo rising to the occasion with a 77th-minute strike, keeping them among the early pace-setters. In the South-West derby, Ikorodu City fought for a hard-earned 1-1 draw away at Shooting Stars (3SC). Sodiq Ibrahim netted early for the Oluyole Warriors, but Shola Adelani equalised just before half-time, granting the newcomers a morale-boosting point.
Kwara United continued their strong start with a convincing 2-0 victory over Kun Khalifat in Ilorin Aule Shirsha Johnmark opened the scoring, and Emeka Kingsley Obiorah sealed the win late. Rangers International impressed at home with a commanding 2-0 win over Plateau United, courtesy of goals from Chidozie Iwundu and Chidiebere Nwobodo.
In northern derbies, Katsina United edged Kano Pillars with an 86 from Azeez Falolu, while Wikki Tourists beat Abia Warriors 1-0 thanks to Jonathan Mairiga’s late strike. Niger Tornadoes also pulled off a narrow 1-0 win over Bayelsa United.
Elsewhere, Enyimba were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Nasarawa United, and Rivers United shared honours with El-Kanemi Warriors in another goalless stalemate. Barau FC and Bendel Insurance played out a 1-1 draw.
Early Season Table Snapshot: Remo Stars, Rangers, and Kwara United are emerging as early frontrunners, while Ikorodu City continue to make their mark as resilient newcomers. Meanwhile, established teams such as Enyimba and Rivers United must reassess their approach after slow starts.
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Editorial
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We believe this matchday underlines the essence of a fiercely competitive NPFL season. Remo Stars show they’re not just contenders they’ve come to set the tone. Rangers’ first win of the campaign brings redemption and reignites their ambition.
But the real story lies in the grit of newcomers. Ikorodu City’s draw at 3SC announces their arrival not as participants, but challengers. Their courage and composure under spotlight pressure is perhaps the most exciting storyline of this early season.
Yet, giants like Enyimba and Rivers United must confront the truth: reputations do not win matches—resilience and tactical clarity do. As points begin to separate ambition from aspiration, every fixture becomes a potential turning point.
With so much still to play for, the NPFL is alive with drama, spirit, and promise. If this matchday is anything to go by, Nigerian football fans are in for a season to remember.
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Did You Know?
Ikorodu City FC, nicknamed Oga Boys, were only promoted to the NPFL in 2024—making their draw at 3SC an impressive statement.
Remo Stars’ 2024-25 NPFL title marked their first-ever top-flight triumph, and they remain the only club from South-West Nigeria to win since 2000.
Shooting Stars SC known as Oluyole Warriors are founding members of the Nigerian Premier League, established in the 1970s.
The 2024–25 NPFL season featured a record prize money increase of N50 million, bringing the champions’ total to N200 million.
Rangers International are one of Africa’s most historic clubs, never relegated since their formation in 1970, with continental honours including the 1977 African Cup Winners' Cup.