EuroMatch NPFL Week 8: Rangers Hold on to Top Spot, Rivers Stay Unbeaten as Kano Pillars Suffer Heavy Defeat
Rangers International maintained their position at the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) despite dropping points against Barau FC, while Rivers United preserved their unbeaten record following a goalless draw with Abia Warriors as Matchday 8 of the 2026/2027 season delivered significant results across the country.
The weekend’s action featured Plateau United’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Kano Pillars, Sporting Lagos’ comeback win against Bendel Insurance and Warri Wolves’ 3-1 triumph over Inter Lagos.
Rangers remain top with 17 points from eight matches, one point ahead of Rivers United, while Plateau United strengthened their title credentials by moving into third place.
Rangers Rescue Point Against Barau
Rangers International battled back to secure a 2-2 draw against Barau FC in Kano, preserving their position at the top of the standings.
Ifeanyi Okechukwu gave Rangers the lead in the 38th minute before Joseph Atule equalised for Barau from the penalty spot in the 56th minute.
Aliyu Sugau converted another penalty in the 68th minute to put the hosts ahead, but Chidiebere Nwobodo struck in the 90th minute to earn Rangers a valuable point.
The result took Rangers to 17 points, while Barau moved to 13 points after eight matches.
Rivers United remain Rangers’ closest challengers after holding Abia Warriors to a 0-0 draw. The result extended the Port Harcourt club’s unbeaten run and left them on 16 points.
Plateau United Thrash Kano Pillars
Plateau United delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the round, defeating Kano Pillars 4-0 to climb to third place with 14 points.
Paul Samson opened the scoring after just three minutes, setting the tone for a dominant display.
Ekundayo Ojo doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time before Samuel Ayanrinde added a third in the 82nd minute.
Nenrot Silas completed the rout by converting a penalty in the 90th minute.
The defeat ended Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run and represented a significant setback for the former champions, who remained on 12 points after nine matches, according to the reported standings.
Sporting Lagos Overcome Bendel Insurance
Sporting Lagos came from behind to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1 in an entertaining encounter.
Bendel Insurance striker Kayode Oke opened the scoring after just 18 seconds, recording the fastest goal of the EuroMatch NPFL season.
Sporting responded through Victor Samuel in the 14th minute before Gafar Olaniyan completed the turnaround in the 22nd minute.
The victory lifted Sporting Lagos to 13 points, although they had played nine matches, one more than several of their rivals. Bendel Insurance remained on 12 points after eight games.
Ikorodu City Extend Unbeaten Run Against Kwara United
Ikorodu City strengthened their position in the top half of the table with a 2-0 victory over Kwara United.
The result extended their unbeaten record against Kwara United in NPFL meetings to five matches, comprising three wins and two draws.
Kwara United’s afternoon became more difficult when Saheed Olaniyi received a second yellow card in the 86th minute for a reckless challenge, leaving the visitors with 10 men.
Ikorodu City moved to 12 points, while Kwara United remained on 10 points.
Nasarawa United, Kun Khalifat Claim Important Wins
Nasarawa United defeated Doma United 2-0 to strengthen their position in the standings.
Sunday Dapman opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Jofrank Istifanus converted a penalty in the 55th minute to secure the victory.
Kun Khalifat FC also recorded a significant result, defeating Shooting Stars 2-0 to collect three important points in their campaign.
The victory offered Kun Khalifat encouragement in their bid to move away from the lower end of the table, while Shooting Stars suffered another setback.
Warri Wolves Beat Inter Lagos
Warri Wolves secured a 3-1 victory over Inter Lagos, boosting their survival campaign with an important result.
The win provided Wolves with valuable points as the battle at the bottom of the standings intensified. Both clubs entered the fixture with games in hand, making the outcome particularly important to their early-season campaigns.
Ranchers Bees and Niger Tornadoes Share Points
Ranchers Bees and Niger Tornadoes played out a goalless draw in a tense encounter that saw the hosts reduced to 10 players.
Habibu Yakubu received a straight red card for impeding a goal-bound move, forcing Ranchers to finish the contest with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite the dismissal and eight minutes of added time, Niger Tornadoes were unable to find a breakthrough, with both sides settling for a point.
Rangers Lead as Pressure Mounts on Enyimba
Rangers’ draw was enough to keep them top with 17 points, but Rivers United remain within touching distance on 16 points and continue to demonstrate consistency through their unbeaten start.
Plateau United’s victory over Kano Pillars has strengthened their early title challenge, while Barau FC and Sporting Lagos remain among the leading teams.
At the other end of the table, Enyimba’s 4-2 defeat to Katsina United leaves the former African champions under increasing pressure after a difficult opening to the season. The People’s Elephant have collected only seven points from eight matches and remain in the relegation zone, according to the reported standings.
With several clubs separated by narrow margins, the competition remains open at both ends of the table as the NPFL moves towards Matchday 9.
EuroMatch NPFL coverage continues with the latest results, standings, match analysis and developments from Nigeria’s top-flight football league.
EuroMatch NPFL Week 8 Results at a Glance
- Katsina United 4-2 Enyimba
- Plateau United 4-0 Kano Pillars
- Ikorodu City 2-0 Kwara United
- Kun Khalifat 2-0 Shooting Stars
- Sporting Lagos 2-1 Bendel Insurance
- Nasarawa United 2-0 Doma United
- Barau FC 2-2 Rangers International
- Abia Warriors 0-0 Rivers United
- Ranchers Bees 0-0 Niger Tornadoes
- Warri Wolves 3-1 Inter Lagos
