By

Tolulope Oguntimehin

“Pressure ti wa,” indeed! Kwara United fans had their hearts shattered at home as in-form Abia Warriors stunned them with a gritty 1–0 win — their second straight league victory since crashing out of the CAF Confederation Cup.

A moment of chaos in the 48th minute handed the visitors a golden chance — Kwara United’s goalkeeper handled an indirect ball inside the box, gifting Emeka Obioma the opportunity to coolly convert from the spot. That single strike was enough for the “Umu Chineke Boys” to claim all three points, leaving Kwara’s technical crew led by Tunde Sanni under mounting pressure amid talk of an ultimatum following their continental exit and poor domestic run.

But as the saying goes, the show must go on! Shooting Stars SC certainly lived up to that spirit. The Oluyole Warriors made it back-to-back wins, though they had to dig deep to make it three. Missed chances piled up at the Lekan Salami Stadium until Ismail Ayodele delivered salvation — smashing home a 94th-minute winner that turned the arena into a festival of praise and worship.

In Aba, it was a case of no victor, no vanquish as Enyimba and Rivers United settled for a goalless draw. Kun Khalifat put behind their painful home loss to Barau FC last week, forcing a respectable 1–1 draw away at Niger Tornadoes.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa United’s struggles continued — their poor run of form extended after away specialists Ikorodu City held them to a 1–1 draw in Yenagoa. Barau FC, perhaps drunk on last week’s away success, were brought back to earth by a revitalized Warri Wolves side, who sealed a 1–0 win despite suspending coach Napoleon Aluma after their defeat to 3SC.

In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors fans were forced to endure a nervy finale as Kano Pillars pressed hard for an equalizer. Sulaiman Idris’ 89th-minute effort almost spoiled the party, but the Warriors held firm till the final whistle.

Elsewhere, Nasarawa United continued their fairytale run — from relegation survivors to table-toppers! Their 1–0 victory over Bendel Insurance in Benin extended their unbeaten streak to six, deepening the Gunners’ misery.

And in Enugu, the heavens had the final say — torrential rain washed out Rangers International’s clash with Katsina United after 60 minutes, with the scores locked at 0–0.

Truly, the Nigeria Premier Football League remains a scriptwriter’s dream — full of twists, turns, heartbreaks, and triumphs. Under the Gbenga Elegbeleye-led board, the NPFL has grown in quality, passion, and unpredictability. Week after week, it proves again: this league is more than football — it’s pure drama.