NPFL Matchday 4: Inter Lagos Claim First Win as Doma United Fall, Enyimba Sink to Bottom
Inter Lagos finally opened their winning account, Doma United suffered their first defeat of the season, while nine-time champions Enyimba plunged to the bottom of the Nigeria Premier Football League table after a dramatic Matchday Four.
The fourth round of the 2026/27 NPFL season produced goals, away victories and a significant reshaping of the early standings, with three clubs — Inter Lagos, Abia Warriors and Rangers — returning home with maximum points from difficult away assignments.
For Inter Lagos, the weekend delivered a landmark moment.
The newly promoted side stunned Enyimba 1–0 at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, with Ezekiel Moses scoring the decisive goal in the 18th minute.
The victory was Inter Lagos’ first of the campaign after defeats to Shooting Stars, Doma United and Sporting Lagos in their opening three matches. It moved them to three points, while Enyimba suffered a third consecutive defeat and remained without a point.
For Enyimba, the implications are increasingly serious. The former African champions are now the only team yet to register a point and occupy 20th position after four rounds, according to the latest NPFL standings.
Doma United’s Perfect Start Comes to an End
Doma United’s impressive opening run finally came to an end in Kano, where Kano Pillars handed the Savannah Tigers a comprehensive 4–1 defeat.
Pillars took control through Abdullahi Musa, who opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Captain Rabiu Ali doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute after earlier missing a penalty.
Doma United responded through Sadiq Rilwan, who headed home in the 53rd minute to reduce the deficit.
But Kano Pillars regained control, with former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa making it 3–1 in the 77th minute before Nasiru Salihu completed the scoring in stoppage time.
The defeat ended Doma’s perfect start and their run of three consecutive victories without conceding. However, they remain top of the table on nine points.
Kano Pillars, meanwhile, climbed to third with seven points and still have a game in hand, putting the former champions firmly into the early title conversation.
Rangers Maintain Momentum
Defending champions Rangers International continued their strong start with a thrilling 4–2 victory over Kun Khalifat.
Temitope Folarin and Waheed Adebayo were among Rangers’ scorers, while Chimobi Igwilo struck twice for Kun Khalifat.
The result gave Rangers their second victory of the season and kept them among the leading pack with seven points.
Plateau United Fight Back to Beat Shooting Stars
Plateau United also produced a strong comeback, defeating Shooting Stars 3–1 in Jos.
Shooting Stars took an early lead through Taheer Abubakar, but Plateau responded after the break.
Jibrin Ibrahim restored parity in the 50th minute before Seiyefa Jackson put the hosts ahead. Gideon Monday then sealed the victory with a late third goal.
The three points moved Plateau United onto seven points and kept them within touching distance of the leaders.
Abia Warriors Register First Win
Abia Warriors recorded their first victory of the campaign with a 2–0 away win over Sporting Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
The match remained goalless deep into the second half before Ikoi Etta broke the deadlock in the 88th minute.
Former NPFL top scorer Emeka Obioma then added a second in stoppage time to secure maximum points for the visitors.
Zulkifilu Continues Scoring Run
Ranchers Bees also claimed an important 2–1 victory over Bendel Insurance, with Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu continuing his remarkable start to the campaign.
Chiedozie Jude Okorie opened the scoring in the 49th minute before Lekan Gabriel equalised for Insurance.
Zulkifilu restored Ranchers Bees’ lead in the 79th minute, taking his personal tally to five goals in four league matches.
The newly promoted side held on despite being reduced to ten men late in the game.
Warri Wolves Edge Kwara United
Warri Wolves claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over Kwara United, with Ejike Ezekiel scoring as early as the eighth minute.
The result gives Wolves an important three points as they attempt to move away from the lower reaches of the table.
Nasarawa United Rescue Point Against Rivers United
Nasarawa United and Rivers United shared the points in a 1–1 draw in Lafia.
Rivers United took the lead through Harrison Ebah before Nasarawa United levelled through an own goal credited to Musa Yakubu.
The point kept Rivers United on seven points, alongside Kano Pillars and Rangers.
Meanwhile, Ikorodu City and Barau FC played out a goalless draw, while Katsina United defeated Niger Tornadoes 1–0.
What Matchday Four Means
Doma United remain top despite suffering their first defeat, with nine points from four matches.
Barau FC occupy second place on eight points, while Kano Pillars, Rivers United and Rangers are all on seven points. Plateau United are also on seven points, keeping the early race at the top tightly packed.
At the opposite end, Enyimba’s situation has become the most striking development of the opening rounds. The Aba giants are bottom with zero points, while Inter Lagos’ victory has lifted them to 18th on three points.
With Matchday Five already approaching, the early NPFL table is beginning to reveal two contrasting stories: a tightly congested battle among the leading sides and an increasingly urgent fight for points at the bottom.
