Rangers International maintained their position at the summit of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following an eventful Matchday 12, with Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United keeping the pressure on the leaders.
The weekend produced significant results at both ends of the table. Ranchers Bees defeated former champions Enyimba, Barau FC edged Shooting Stars, while Nasarawa United strengthened their top-three position.
Monday’s Lagos derby between Ikorodu City and Inter Lagos ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, the scheduled meeting between Sporting Lagos and Rivers United was postponed and moved to November 18.
Rangers maintain control of title race
Rangers continued their impressive campaign with a 1-0 victory over Kwara United at the Awka Township Stadium.
Victor Chimezie scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute, securing three valuable points for the Flying Antelopes.
The victory took Rangers to 24 points from 11 matches, maintaining their three-point advantage over second-placed Bendel Insurance, who have played one additional game.
Their consistency has established them as early title contenders, although several challengers remain within striking distance.
Bendel Insurance keep pressure on leaders
Bendel Insurance demonstrated their resilience with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Aliyu Mohammed gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot in the 36th minute before Jonathan Mairiga restored parity in first-half stoppage time.
John Taiwo completed the comeback with a 90th-minute winner, securing Bendel’s seventh victory of the campaign.
The result moved the Benin Arsenal to 21 points from 12 matches, keeping them firmly in the title conversation.
Nasarawa United strengthen top-three position
Nasarawa United continued their impressive campaign with a 3-1 victory over Plateau United in Lafia.
The Solid Miners moved to 20 points from 12 matches, strengthening their position in third place and maintaining their challenge among the leading contenders.
Plateau United, meanwhile, missed an opportunity to improve their standing after another disappointing away result.
Barau FC edge Shooting Stars in Kano
Barau FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The decisive moment arrived in the ninth minute when Olakunle Akala inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Shooting Stars struggled to find an equaliser as Barau protected their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory took Barau to 19 points, level with Kano Pillars, and strengthened their position among the league’s leading clubs.
Ranchers Bees stun Enyimba as Kabiru Tijjani reaches century
Ranchers Bees recorded one of the weekend’s significant results with a 1-0 victory over Enyimba at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.
Chiedozie Jude Okorie scored the only goal in the 42nd minute, handing the hosts a crucial victory against the former Nigerian champions.
The result provided an important boost for Ranchers Bees, while Enyimba suffered another setback after failing to convert their opportunities.
The encounter also marked a personal milestone for midfielder Kabiru Tijjani, who made his 100th EuroMatch NPFL appearance for Ranchers Bees.
The achievement added another memorable moment to a day when the Minna-based club secured three valuable points.
Other Week 12 results
Kun Khalifat 1-1 Kano Pillars
Kano Pillars appeared set for victory after substitute Sikiru Alimi scored in the 76th minute. However, Ebuka Okoro converted a 90th-minute penalty to rescue a point for Kun Khalifat.
Abia Warriors 2-2 Doma United
The encounter produced four goals, with Emeka Obioma scoring twice for Abia Warriors. Tijani Azeez and Samuel Akpan found the net for Doma United.
Warri Wolves 1-1 Katsina United
Katsina United took the lead through Luis Dadong in the 28th minute before Sabastine Uche equalised for Warri Wolves in the 72nd minute.
Inter Lagos hold Ikorodu City in dramatic Lagos derby
Inter Lagos rescued a valuable point after battling back to draw 2-2 against city rivals Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Monday.
Joseph Danga opened the scoring for Inter Lagos in the 40th minute, giving the visitors a first-half advantage.
Ikorodu City responded after the break, with A. Adeoye converting two penalties in the 59th and 63rd minutes to put the hosts ahead.
However, A. Oriyomi struck in the 90th minute to deny Ikorodu City victory and earn Inter Lagos a share of the points.
The result offered some encouragement for Inter Lagos, although their position near the bottom of the standings underlines the scale of their challenge.
Ikorodu City, meanwhile, will regret failing to protect their advantage after coming close to securing all three points.
Sporting Lagos vs Rivers United postponed
The scheduled Matchday 12 encounter between Sporting Lagos and Rivers United was postponed because of venue unavailability.
The fixture has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 18, at 4pm at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Sporting Lagos have also confirmed another home fixture against Kwara United for Sunday, November 22, at the same venue, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm.
The rearranged meeting presents Rivers United with an opportunity to gain ground in the title race. The Port Harcourt side currently have 18 points from 11 matches and could strengthen their position with victory.
Rangers lead as title race gathers momentum
Rangers remain top with 24 points from 11 matches, followed by Bendel Insurance with 21 points and Nasarawa United with 20.
Barau FC and Kano Pillars occupy the next positions with 19 points each, while Rivers United remain in contention with 18 points from 11 matches.
At the other end, Inter Lagos continue to struggle, with just four points from 12 matches, leaving them under increasing pressure to revive their campaign.
Matchday 12 further demonstrated the competitiveness of the NPFL season. Rangers have established an early advantage, but Bendel Insurance, Nasarawa United and Rivers United remain firmly in contention.
With the outstanding Sporting Lagos-Rivers United fixture still to come, the title race remains open as the league approaches another important phase of the campaign.
EuroMatch NPFL Week 12 Results at a Glance
Friday
- Kun Khalifat 1-1 Kano Pillars
Saturday
- Ranchers Bees 1-0 Enyimba
- Barau FC 1-0 Shooting Stars
- Abia Warriors 2-2 Doma United
- Warri Wolves 1-1 Katsina United
Sunday
- Rangers International 1-0 Kwara United
- Nasarawa United 3-1 Plateau United
- Bendel Insurance 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Monday
- Ikorodu City 2-2 Inter Lagos
Postponed
- Sporting Lagos vs Rivers United – Rescheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 4pm.
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