NPFL Matchday 18: Bendel Insurance Stun Remo Stars as El Kanemi Edge Enyimba

Matchday 18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered drama and decisive moments across various centres, with several teams picking up crucial points as the season gathered momentum.

In Abeokuta, Bendel Insurance claimed one of the standout results of the weekend, edging hosts Remo Stars FC 3–2 in a thrilling contest.

In Enugu, Rangers International continued their impressive home run, securing a 2–1 victory over Ikorodu City FC.

In Kano, Kano Pillars were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against Plateau United, while Abia Warriors FC secured a narrow 1–0 win over Warri Wolves FC to boost their campaign.

Fans at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, were treated to an entertaining encounter as Shooting Stars SC fought hard to overcome Niger Tornadoes 2–1.

Defensive solidity took centre stage in Bauchi, where Wikki Tourists FC and Kun Khalifat FC played out a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, Kwara United FC strengthened their position on the league table with a comfortable 2–0 victory over Bayelsa United in Ilorin.

One of the most exciting matches of the round unfolded in Maiduguri, where El Kanemi Warriors edged Enyimba FC 3–2 in a pulsating five-goal thriller.

Matchday 18 fixtures will be concluded early next week, with Katsina United hosting Rivers United on Monday, 22 December, while Nasarawa United face Barau FC on Tuesday.

NPFL Matchday 18 Results

Remo Stars FC 2–3 Bendel Insurance

Rangers Int’l FC 2–1 Ikorodu City FC

Kano Pillars 1–1 Plateau United

Abia Warriors FC 1–0 Warri Wolves FC

Shooting Stars SC 2–1 Niger Tornadoes

Wikki Tourists FC 0–0 Kun Khalifat FC

Kwara United FC 2–0 Bayelsa United

El Kanemi Warriors 3–2 Enyimba FC

Outstanding Fixtures

Monday, 22 December: Katsina United vs Rivers United

Tuesday: Nasarawa United vs Barau FC

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio