The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) week 22 delivered pure theatre — a weekend where title hopefuls stumbled, relegation fighters clawed for survival, and late goals rewrote the script across stadiums nationwide.
From Enugu to Maiduguri, the league once again proved why it remains fiercely unpredictable.
NPFL Week 22 Highlights: Rangers Run Riot in Enugu
Rangers International brushed aside off-field distractions with a ruthless attacking display at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Godwin Obaje and Chimobi Igwilo each struck twice as the Flying Antelopes powered to a commanding 4–2 victory over Warri Wolves.
Early goals in the 1st and 11th minutes set the tone, turning the Cathedral into a carnival of red.
Warri Wolves showed brief resistance through Israel Oladeji’s 56th-minute strike, while Seth Mayi’s stoppage-time penalty only reduced the damage as Rangers cruised home.
Relegation Watch: Wikki Sink Kano Pillars Deeper
In Bauchi, Kano Pillars’ NPFL survival fears deepened as Wikki Tourists claimed a confident 2–0 win at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.
Taheer Abubakar’s first-half opener and Klinshak Longbak’s second-half finish sealed a vital result, lifting Wikki up the standings while Pillars remain stuck in dangerous waters.
NPFL Upset: Niger Tornadoes Stun Enyimba
Enyimba’s season of inconsistency continued in Minna, where Niger Tornadoes defeated the former champions 2–0.
Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai broke the deadlock in the 66th minute before super-sub Rickson Mendos applied the finishing touch late on.
The result further dented Enyimba’s campaign and boosted Tornadoes’ home confidence.
Shooting Stars End Bendel Insurance Run
At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Shooting Stars halted Bendel Insurance’s nine-game unbeaten streak with a narrow 1–0 win.
Qamar Adegoke’s thunderous 71st-minute strike proved decisive, handing the Oluyole Warriors a timely boost against a spirited Benin Gunners side.
Away-Day Heist: Nasarawa Shock Abia Warriors
Nasarawa United pulled off one of the weekend’s biggest shocks in Umuahia, overturning an early setback to beat Abia Warriors 2–1.
After Obioma Chukwuemeka gave Abia the lead, Habibu Alakija equalised shortly after the break. Jofrank Istifanus then delivered the last blow in the 55th minute as Nasarawa defended resolutely to secure a priceless away win.
Late Drama and Stalemates Across NPFL Week 22
Barau FC’s revival paused after a 1–1 draw with Bayelsa United, while Ettah Ikoi and Yahaya Ibrahim traded goals.
In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors edged Ikorodu City 1–0, thanks to Muktar Ismail’s dramatic 89th-minute winner.
Katsina United and Plateau United cancelled each other out in a tense goalless draw, while defending champions Remo Stars were held 1–1 by Kun Khalifat, leaving both sides rooted near the bottom.
The clash between Kwara United and Rivers United was postponed due to Rivers United’s CAF Champions League engagement.
NPFL Week 22 Full Results
Enugu Rangers 4–2 Warri Wolves
Wikki Tourists 2–0 Kano Pillars
Niger Tornadoes 2–0 Enyimba
Shooting Stars 1–0 Bendel Insurance
Abia Warriors 1–2 Nasarawa United
Barau FC 1–1 Bayelsa United
El-Kanemi Warriors 1–0 Ikorodu City
Katsina United 0–0 Plateau United
Remo Stars 1–1 Kun Khalifat