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Ikorodu City Stun Enyimba In Aba As Shooting Stars Run Riot [NPFL Matchday 26 Results]

Published February 16, 2026 Updated February 16, 2026 at 7:55 AM

Ikorodu City Stun Enyimba In Aba As Shooting Stars Run Riot [NPFL Matchday 26 Results]

The title race in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) took another twist on Saturday as leaders Ikorodu City ground out a priceless victory in Aba, while Shooting Stars produced a statement performance in front of their travelling supporters.

At the Enyimba International Stadium, Ikorodu City showed precisely why they have set the pace for much of this season’s NPFL campaign.

Joseph Arumala’s strike in the 29th minute settled the match against Enyimba. The forward reacted sharply inside the box to steer home what proved to be the decisive goal.

The 1-0 result moves Ikorodu City to 44 points from 26 matches, keeping them top of the table.

Enugu Rangers climbed into second after a polished 2-0 win over Wikki Tourists. First-half goals from Wisdom Ebirim and Godwin Obaje did the damage, lifting Rangers to 43 points and tightening the race at the top.

Rivers United, now third on 41 points, still have five matches in hand following their exit from the CAF Champions League. Yet their inability to fully capitalise on that advantage has left their title charge delicately poised rather than dominant.

In Abeokuta, Shooting Stars delivered one of their most complete attacking displays of the season in a 4-2 win over Warri Wolves.

The visitors struck early through Peter Ita, who found the net inside seven minutes. Sodiq Ibrahim restored parity four minutes later.

Lucky Emmanuel finished off a sweeping move in the 29th minute to put the Oluyole Warriors ahead, a goal that will surely enter conversations for the best of the season.

Desmond Ojietefian rose highest to head home from a corner nine minutes later, stretching the lead before the break.

Stephen Amos effectively ended the match midway through the second half with a fierce effort from distance. Othuke Egbo’s late free-kick reduced the deficit, but Wolves never truly looked capable of turning the tide.

The win pushes Shooting Stars to 38 points from 25 games, leaving them three points adrift of a CAF Confederation Cup place with a match in hand. Warri Wolves slip to 11th on 34 points, their season still marked by inconsistency.

Elsewhere, late drama defined several fixtures. Katsina United edged Nasarawa United 1-0 courtesy of a decisive Boubacar Massaly effort, while Kwara United were pegged back in a 1-1 draw with Kano Pillars after surrendering an early advantage.

El-Kanemi Warriors claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Plateau United, and Bayelsa United shared the spoils in a goalless draw with Bendel Insurance.

At the other end of the table, Remo Stars’ troubled defence of their league crown suffered another blow as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Abia Warriors in Akure.

Remo Stars, who are forced to adopt yet another temporary home, began brightly. Victor Mbaoma was at the heart of their early pressure, drawing a foul after latching onto a through pass and combining well with Alex Oyowah. Kovan Albert also tested the visitors before making way for Samson Olasupo before half-time.

Despite their urgency, the opening period ended without reward.

Abia Warriors emerged sharper after the restart and made their pressure count in the 54th minute. Former NPFL top scorer Chukwuemeka Obioma broke the deadlock with a clinical finish that briefly stunned the home crowd.

Remo searched for a response, introducing Qudus Akanni in a bid to inject fresh impetus. Michael Ibe came close with a long-range effort that drifted just over. Their persistence finally paid off in the 78th minute when substitute Olasupo finished calmly to restore parity.

The equaliser lifted spirits but did not bring the breakthrough Remo desperately needed. The final whistle confirmed a result that leaves them 19th on 27 points from 26 matches, only two clear of bottom side Kun Khalifat.

With 12 fixtures remaining, eight of them away from their traditional Ikenne base due to a stadium ban, the champions’ campaign hangs in the balance.

Abia Warriors, meanwhile, strengthened their push for continental football. They sit on 40 points from 26 matches and remain firmly in the hunt for a top-five finish.