The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) promises an electrifying weekend as Remo Stars host Rivers United in a top-of-the-table showdown in Ikenne. Meanwhile, Ikorodu City will aim to extend their impressive form when they face Shooting Stars in a highly anticipated Southwest derby in Lagos.
Nine fixtures are scheduled nationwide, but all eyes will be on Ikenne, where Remo Stars, leading by just one point, hope to widen their gap to four with a victory over Finidi George’s Rivers United. However, Remo will face challenges, missing head coach Daniel Ogunmodede and first-choice goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi, both on national duty.
Rivers United, reeling from three winless games, including a shocking home defeat to Bayelsa United, will aim to overturn their poor form. The Sky Blue Stars themselves are looking to bounce back after a goalless stalemate against Enyimba in their previous outing.
Ikorodu City’s Southwest Derby Test
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos Ikorodu City will aim to continue their fairytale run against Shooting Stars.
The Oga Boys have been in stellar form, winning four of their last six matches, including victories over Rivers United, Bendel Insurance, and Katsina United away from home. A win would catapult them into the league’s top half, potentially displacing Shooting Stars, who are just one point ahead.
The Oluyole Warriors, however, come into this clash with renewed confidence, having secured three wins in their last four games. this will be the first-ever meeting between both sides.
Enyimba and Abia Warriors Renew Rivalry
Over at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Imama Amapakabo-led Abia Warriors, led will look to halt a two-game losing streak as they host neighbours Enyimba.
Both sides have struggled recently, with Enyimba also winless in two outings. Despite their slump, Enyimba boasts an impressive record against their rivals, winning nine of their last ten encounters.
Kano Pillars’ Homecoming Boost
Kano Pillars return to the Sani Abacha Stadium for the first time this season, hosting Heartland FC under improved weather conditions that rescheduled kickoff to 3:45 pm.
“Please be informed that there has been a change in the kickoff time for our NPFL25 Matchday 12 fixture against Heartland FC. The match, originally scheduled for 4:00 PM, will now kick-off at 3:45 PM due to weather conditions,” the statement from the club reads.
Riding high on consecutive wins, including an away triumph in Benin, the Sai Masu Gida will rely on the in-form Ahmed Musa as they aim to bring smiles to their fans and edge closer to their first league title since 2014.
As the Nigerian Premier League heats up, Matchday 12 promises thrilling encounters across the country. Enugu Rangers will host Bendel Insurance at the iconic Cathedral, while Bayelsa United, riding high on their recent form, will look to extend their winning streak against Katsina United.
Kwara United and Plateau United will lock horns in a battle for supremacy, while Sunshine Stars entertain Lobi Stars in Ijebu Ode. In another intriguing matchup, El Kanemi Warriors will face off against Niger Tornadoes.
In the earlier Matchday 12 fixture, Akwa United secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Nasarawa United. Paul Acquah’s 34th-minute strike proved to be the difference-maker, lifting Akwa United’s spirits and denting Nasarawa United’s hopes.
